Pinecrest, CA…The autopsy report has deemed the cause of death for missing snowmobiler Charles Duston as hypothermia and exposure. Foul play was ruled out. Please continue to keep his family and friends in your thoughts during this tragic time.

**Update Wed. April 26 at 10:45 PM** Several search and rescue teams have been scouring the area near Eagle Meadow Road in Pinecrest for the last three days, after receiving a report of an overdue snowmobiler. It is with heavy hearts that we report Charles Duston was found deceased early this evening by a search team. Charles was found approximately 4 miles from his snowmobile in a snowy, rugged area. An autopsy will be conducted to determine cause of death. Foul play is not suspected at this time.

We would like to express our gratitude to the many search teams and rescuers from Marin County, Bamru SAR, Contra Costa County, Santa Clara County, El Dorado County, Pinecrest Fire, Air National Guard and our own Sheriff’s Office search and rescue team for the many dedicated hours spent in hopes of rescuing Charles and returning him to his family.

We would also like to thank our community for sharing Charles information and keeping his family in your thoughts and prayers. We express our deepest sympathies to Charles family and friends during this very difficult time.

*Update Wed. April 26th 11:45 AM*
This morning several search teams from Tuolumne County, Marin County, Bamru SAR, Contra Costa County, Santa Clara County, El Dorado County, Pinecrest Fire, and Air National Guard are in the area looking for Charles. Teams have information that Charles went into his cabin on Sunday, April 16th and possibly went out sometime after, then came back into the cabin again on the 17th. His snowmobile was found yesterday broken down and stuck in the snow approximately two miles from his cabin with a snowshoe track leading away from it. Teams are following that track and will be searching the area of Eagle Creek as well.
Search teams are being taken into the area by snowmobile.
The terrain in the search area is rugged and rough containing canyons and bluffs. Temperatures are in the low 40’s with low clouds and rain off and on. Snow levels range from 5-6 feet in areas and bare ground in others.
Helicopters have been suspended for the moment due to weather as clouds are extremely low and preventing helicopters from flying or having visibility
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*Update Tues. April 25, 8:15 PM*
Several search crews were scouring the area near Eagle Meadow today for missing snowmobiler Charles Duston. His snowmobile was found approximately 2 miles from his cabin. Unfortunately Charles was not located. Office of Emergency Services will be sending additional resources including the National Guard and their helicopter, snowshoe teams and search and rescue from several counties to join Pinecrest Fire, Forest Service and our Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team.