Week-long search for missing mountain biker ends after he drove back home in his own car

Yahoo

17-07-2025

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The man whose disappearance caused a multi-day search in the Mount Hood National Forest has returned from a mountain biking trip that ended up lasting a week, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.
Ralph Sawyer, 52, was reported missing Friday, July 11, after his family said he had . Six days later, deputies were notified that he had returned to his car and driven home.
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'Mr. Sawyer showed up to a neighbor's house tired, cold, dirty, and worn out,' officials said. 'Gresham Police confirmed it was him and he was transported to a local hospital to be checked out.'
The week-long search , beginning after teams discovered Sawyer's blue Kia Soul with his cell phone inside the car shortly after midnight on Saturday, July 12.
The sheriff's office previously told KOIN 6 News that Sawyer was familiar with the area and added that he was an experienced biker using a bike suitable for the area.
It is not yet clear what led to Sawyer's extended stay in the forest.
A GoFundMe was set up while Sawyer was missing, and as of Thursday morning, it had raised nearly $16,000.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story.
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