Search and Rescue Team Mutual Aid Operation

Date:     March 17, 2015
Subject: Search and Rescue Team Operation

On the morning of Saturday, March 14, 2015, at approximately 9:00AM, Mono County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a call from the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office requesting assistance in the search for an overdue climber.

Scott Sederstrom, age 44, of Paradise Estates, was completing a day climb in the Owen’s Gorge area on Friday, March 13th. When he didn’t arrive home that evening, he was reported overdue to the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately midnight on Saturday, March 14, Inyo County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with an Officer from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, began searching for Mr. Sederstrom. When they were unable to locate him, the Inyo County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) team was called to help aid in the search.

When it was determined that Mr. Sederstrom could have been climbing in the Owen’s Gorge section of Mono County, the Mono County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) team was called to aid in the search in conjunction with Inyo SAR. Search teams were notified by friends searching for Mr. Sederstrom that he had been located near the base of the “Silent Pillar Wall” in the Owen’s River Gorge in Mono County. Mr. Sederstrom was located deceased. Cause of death is traumatic injuries due to a fall.

Written and reported by: Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer