Internet 'heartbroken' as hiker Trammell Evans' remains discovered 9 months after his last sighting

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The online community is reeling from the tragic news of the discovery of hiker Trammell Evans' remains, nearly nine months after he was last seen.

Evans, who went missing in a Southern California park last year, was found by staff members of the Joshua Tree National Park.

Who was Trammell Evans?

The skeletal remains of the 25-year-old were discovered off a trail in the park's Black Rock area on January 25, according to a news release issued by park officials on Tuesday, January 30. 

"Park staff were led to the discovery when park researchers found an unattended backpack, which was later confirmed as belonging to Trammell Evans," the release mentioned.

Evans was last spotted when he was left at the Black Rock Campground on the evening of April 30, 2023, as per the park service.

He was expected to be collected on May 5, 2023, following a few days of hiking, as stated in an NPS news release. He was declared missing on the same day.

Evans, known as an "athletic and experienced long-distance hiker," was well-acquainted with Joshua Tree, as mentioned in a park service news release from the previous year, per CNN.

How did the hiker die?

In the months following Evans's disappearance, his family managed a Facebook page titled 'Find Tram' to gather information about his location.

They expressed their sorrow in a social media post announcing the discovery of his remains. "It appears he succumbed to complications related to alcohol withdrawal," per the post on January 28. 

"In his final journal entry, filled with optimism but also concern regarding the symptoms of withdrawal, Tram expressed his love for everyone, reminding us that 'love is what life is all about'."

The Facebook page portrayed Evans as the youngest of three brothers with a passion for outdoor activities such as skiing and sailing. As of now, the cause of Evans's death remains undetermined, and an investigation is underway, according to officials. 

Social media 'heartbroken' over hiker's death

Many individuals, who have been closely following the updates about Evans's safe return, expressed their "heartbreak" and shared tributes on social media. 

A Facebook user commented, "We are so sorry for your loss. We were in Joshua Tree the day he went missing and talking with his friends. They were on the way to get family. Again so very sorry."

Another person said, "I’ll miss you Tram! I’ll always remember babysitting you and both of us getting sick on the horse and buggy in St. Augustine when you were little. Prayers for the Evans family!"

"I am so heartbroken for all of you. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Let Light perpetual shine upon him," stated another. 

One user expressed, "As my friend commented, we were some of a few people to be on that same trail and encountered the ride share driver looking for Tram."

"I appreciate your honesty about his alcohol withdrawal. It is indeed a serious condition," said a user.

"I have a child of similar age with a similar diagnosis and I am deeply sorry for your family as I can possibly imagine the complex circumstances. I am so very sorry for your dear family. My heart goes out to you."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.