WESTWOOD—The body of missing UCLA student Michael David Meyers was found on Saturday, November 21 by officials from the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department in an avalanche. The Los Angeles Times reported Inyo County Sheriff William Lutze stated that Meyers suffered massive injuries including broken bones.

Meyers was reported missing by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit, after his roommate noted the last text he received from Meyers was on November 5 indicating he was going to Mount Russell in Inyo National Park.

The victim’s ATM records noted he purchased gas and water at a nearby gas station near Mount Russell. Meyers is an experienced hiker and climber and has been known to go on long excursions for several days alone.

On November 20, items belonging to Meyers were found in a recent avalanche debris field near Mount Whitney in Sierra, Nevada that was between 60 to 70 feet in length. Mount Whitney has an elevation of 14,505 feet and inhabits parts of Sequoia National Park, and John Muir Trail.

Michael David Meyers taking a selfie pic.
Michael David Meyers taking a selfie pic.

Officials utilized a search dog team and sonar type equipment to locate Meyers. Pics from Meyers Facebook page noted he visited Lone Pine Peak, Mount Mallory and previously visited Mount Whitney in April 2013.

Canyon News spoke to Rebecca Kendall, Senior Media Relations Officer for the UCLA Media Relations and Public Outreach via email.

Kendall noted the university released the following statement:

“The entire UCLA community is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Minnesota native Michael Meyers, a graduate student studying physics at UCLA. UCLA was notified of this tragic loss by law enforcement in Inyo County this past weekend. We join together in offering our deepest condolences to all of Michael’s family and friends. UCLA counseling resources are being offered to all of those impacted in our campus community.”

The school is expected to offer counseling for students and staff.