Missing Since: 2005-04-21 Location: Modesto, California
Pearse was last seen in Modesto, California on April 21, 2005. He was scheduled to volunteer at Woodland Elementary School and Mariposa Middle School the following day, but never arrived at either place. He has never been heard from again. A few days after Pearse’s disappearance, his 1990s model Ford Ranger pickup truck was found stuck in mud and burned on Chowchilla Mountain Road above Ponderosa Basin near Summit Camp in Mariposa County, California. There was no sign of him at the scene. Authorities stated it appeared the vehicle had caught fire accidentally, and they theorized that Pearse became lost when he tried to walk out of the mountains after abandoning his car. There is no evidence to support any theory, however, and no possibilities are being ruled out. Pearse, a retired nuclear and chemical engineer, is described as a dedicated school volunteer who was popular with the students and often worked a 50- to 60-hour weekly schedule. He was in good health at the time of his disappearance and wasn’t exhibiting symptoms of confusion or memory loss. His case remains unsolved. Investigating Agency Mariposa County Sheriff’s Department 209-966-3615 Source Information The Modesto Bee My Mother Lode The Fresno Bee Updated 2 times since October 12, 2004. Last updated September 21, 2015; name corrected, date of birth added, distinguishing characteristics updated.