A missing hiker from San Antonio has been found dead after he disappeared while attempting to ascend Mt. Whitney in California.
Taylor Rodriguez, 29, was first reported missing to the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 2. However, further investigation showed Rodriguez began his ascent of the 14,505-foot mountain on Dec. 30.
It is unknown at what point Rodriguez vanished. Inyo County Search & Rescue, along with the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, began searching for Rodriguez.
Through social media, both organizations were seeking assistance from climbers who were on the Whitney Trail or Mountaineer’s Route between Dec. 30, 2024, and Jan. 2, 2025.
On Jan. 4, the sheriff’s office said Rodriguez’s body was found. He was found at an elevation of 12,000 feet, near the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek Trail.
A Facebook post from Inyo County Search & Rescue said, “We extend our deepest condolences to Taylor’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Officials at the sheriff’s office said Rodriguez left San Antonio on Dec. 28 to travel to Lone Pine. He changed his plans to attempt to summit Mt. Whitney.
At this time, a cause of death is unknown, and the Inyo County Coroner will perform an autopsy on Rodriguez.