Oak Creek Canyon from the Vista photo courtesy of Oak Creek Watershed
Sedona AZ (December 26, 2013) – The search for 22-year-old Thomas Lang last seen December 18, 2013, continued at daybreak today and involves approximately 60 ground personnel, a dog team, and air support from YCSO’s Recue 1 helicopter. Additionally, technical rescue teams from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and Coconino County Sheriff’s Office have been deployed to check steep terrain portions of the target search area.
Technical teams carry special equipment and have the expertise to address steep and rough terrain topography thoroughly and safely. Of the approximately 30 square mile search area, about five square miles consists of vertical canyons and extremely thick brush necessitating the use of these special teams.
Along with the search effort in Oak Creek Canyon, the Coconino and Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office have received several calls indicating sightings of Lang in convenience stores or supermarkets in areas of Yavapai/Coconino counties. These leads are being checked which includes reviewing store security tape when available to try and verify the information. So far, there is no indication Lang left the general vicinity of the search area.
Missing Sedona hiker Thomas Lang
On Christmas day, over 30 searchers were deployed along with a dog team throughout the day and Lang was not located. Both Sheriff’s agencies are still encouraging calls regarding any information on Lang and or his whereabouts.
Persons who traveled in this area of Sedona after December 18 and who may have seen Lang by roadsides in the vicinity are urged to contact the Sheriff’s office. Any new information that helps to establish a location timeline is very important to search effort planning. Agency contact numbers are: Coconino Sheriff – 1-800-338-7888 and the Yavapai Sheriff – 928-771-3260.
The update is based on the following original news report:
Sedona AZ (December 24, 2013) – The search effort for 22-year-old Thomas Lang continues in earnest this morning around the Oak Creek Canyon area of Coconino County. Early yesterday, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies and search teams joined Coconino County Sheriff’s personnel in the search for Lang which included air search support from DPS Ranger and YCSO’s Rescue 1 Helicopter.
Today, there are currently 66 searchers along with air support. Additionally, at least 1 dog team from Coconino Sheriff’s Search and Rescue is out tracking. Both agencies have been receiving calls regarding sightings of Lang in and around the target search area. So far none of the information has led to his finding.
As previously indicated, Lang was dropped off at the Manzanita Campground by his father around 11 AM on Wednesday, December 18, 2013. He was expected to return mid-morning on Sunday, December 22, 2013, and when Lang failed to show, his family contacted the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.
Lang is not carrying a cell phone and has no known medical issues. According to family members, he did not take any food but did have a supply of water. Lang has hiked this area before and has some outdoor survival experience. His destination was along the Sterling Pass area of Oak Creek Canyon.
Anyone with information regarding Lang’s whereabouts is asked to call either the Coconino or Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office or 911: Coconino Sheriff – 1-800-338-7888 and Yavapai Sheriff – 928-771-3260.
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260.
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December 26, 2013 – Update on Lang Search – Future Direction of Search to be Assessed
Search teams will soon be returning to base camp to conclude their day – Unfortunately, Lang was not located and all leads have been exhausted at this time. Lang’s parents have remained on site throughout the day to see the efforts of search personnel first hand. Yavapai and Coconino Sheriff’s personnel appreciate their cooperation and participation in this effort along with other family members and friends.
We continue to encourage phone calls related to Lang and/or his whereabouts. Command staff personnel from both agencies will be assessing the future direction of this operation overnight. Another media update will be issued tomorrow with those details.
Dwight D’Evelyn
Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office
Media Relations Coordinator
255 E. Gurley Street
Prescott, Arizona 86301
Office 928-777-7441
Blessings to this family. May he be found alive.
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Sad to add that young Lang probably was found in the canyon almost a year after he went missing and wasn’t found. Cruelest news for his family. God bless them from the community hoping for a better outcome.
Not cool!!!! I am furious about the suspension of search considering the season able weather conditions at that time and the familiar terrain. How I wish I would have known. To think of his Mom. I know every blade of grass, cacti, everywhere here. Why