George Penca Missing Person Case

George Penca, a 30-year-old man from Hawthorne, California, disappeared on June 17, 2011, while hiking in Yosemite National Park. He was part of a church group of 20 people, hiking the strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. After reaching the top of Yosemite Falls around 2:40 PM, the group dispersed, agreeing to meet back down in Yosemite Valley later. However, George never rejoined the group and was last seen getting water from Yosemite Creek at the top of the falls.

Penca was not an experienced hiker, and when he failed to appear by 9:00 PM, his disappearance was reported, launching an extensive search. Over 100 search and rescue personnel, helicopters, and search dogs scoured the area for a week, but no trace of him was found. The terrain was difficult and steep, but despite the search efforts, no evidence of Penca—nor his belongings—has ever been discovered.

Several theories have emerged regarding his disappearance, including the possibility that he became lost or injured, wandered off the trail, or suffered a fall. However, no concrete clues have surfaced to support any specific outcome. His case remains unsolved, leaving family, friends, and investigators without answers.
Last Seen: Jun 17, 2011

Missing in Yosemite National Park: Where is George Penca? - Medium

Missing Person / NamUs #MP37803

The strange disappearance of George Penca in Yosemite National ...

Cold Cases - Investigative Services (U.S. National Park Service)

George Penca Jr. | State of California - Department of Justice

Yosemite National Park Scales Back Search for Missing Hiker

George Penca - Vanished From Yosemite National Park

George Penca Jr. : r/NotForgotten - Reddit

These 13 hikers left from Yosemite and were never seen again