Camila “Mila” Schweyer, the 16-year-old hiker who went missing in the Lakes Basin area, was found safe yesterday near Long Lake after spending a night in sub-freezing temperatures. Schweyer was located at approximately 4 p.m. on Monday, bringing an end to an intensive search effort that began the previous evening.
The Plumas County Search and Rescue (SAR) team was alerted to her disappearance around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, and they immediately began search efforts, which continued into the early morning hours. Despite assistance from a CHP helicopter using visual and infrared technology, the overnight search did not locate Schweyer.
Search operations resumed early Monday morning, supported by numerous counties, agencies, and volunteers, including family and friends. Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft were used throughout the day.
At around 4 p.m. Monday, Schweyer was found in good physical condition and reunited with her family at the Gold Lake Staging Area. Searchers, law enforcement personnel, and community volunteers celebrated as Schweyer embraced her family after the challenging ordeal.
The Plumas County SAR team expressed their appreciation for the mutual aid from neighboring agencies and the community’s support, which contributed to the successful outcome.
Further updates will be provided as necessary, but Schweyer’s safe recovery marks a positive conclusion to the search effort.
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Search operations are underway for a missing 16-year-old hiker, Camila “Mila” Schweyer, in the Lakes Basin area of Plumas County. The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) initiated a search after receiving a report from her mother at 6 p.m. last night, stating that Camila had not returned from her hike near Elwell Lodge.
Camila, described as a Hispanic female, 5 feet tall, weighing approximately 110 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, was last seen wearing a dark grey sweatshirt, black leggings, blue shoes, and carrying a light blue backpack. She was accompanied by a small chihuahua-type dog.
Despite extensive efforts throughout the night, search teams were unable to locate her. Today, operations have resumed with the assistance of additional resources. The California Highway Patrol’s Northern Air Operations Helicopter is aiding in the search, and a mutual aid request has been made to the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for further support.
The U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement was first to respond to the area and confirmed where Camila was last seen. Plumas County Search and Rescue teams, as well as other agencies, are continuing their efforts in the rugged terrain of the Lakes Basin.
The PCSO is urging anyone with information about Camila’s whereabouts to contact them at 530-283-6300. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
This story ahs been updated with the latest information as of Tuesday October 22, 2024 at 8:30am
Photo provided by Plumas SAR via Facebook
