The person at the center of this case
Matthew Charles Kraft
Missing Person · Open
7 years waiting · since 2019
Missing Person: Matthew Charles Kraft
Justice for Matthew Charles Kraft — the trail went cold in 2019, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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location
Lead #1What was Kraft's exact planned route and intended destination in the backcountry?
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evidence
Lead #2What condition was his vehicle in when located, and what gear or supplies were found with it?
⏰
timeline
Lead #3Were there any communications or signs of distress between February 23 and March 4?
Matthew Charles Kraft, a 24-year-old male, disappeared on February 23, 2019, while on a backcountry hiking and skiing trip in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Independence, California. He failed to arrive at his intended pickup location on March 4, 2019, prompting extensive search operations by multiple law enforcement agencies, though challenging snow and avalanche conditions limited ground efforts. Despite aircraft surveys and coordinated searches of his planned route, Kraft remains missing and the circumstances of his disappearance are still unknown.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
💡
clue
Lead #4How familiar was Kraft with the terrain, and were there known hazards or avalanche risks on his planned route?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP63564. Missing person: Matthew Charles Kraft.
Last known contact: 2019-02-23 in Independence, Inyo, CA. Circumstances: On 02/23/2019, KRAFT began a backcountry hiking, skiing trip in CA.
KRAFT failed to arrive at his intended destination where he was supposed to be picked up by his friend on 03/04/2019. Multiple law enforcement agencies searched KRAFT's reported planned route in efforts to locate him.
KRAFT's vehicle was located near Independence, CA. Search efforts of KRAFT's planned route were carried out by air craft surveys as ground operations were limited due to snow instability and avalanche concerns.
KRAFT has not been found. Demographics: 24 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 6 ft 1 in, 185 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Brown. Investigating agency: Mono County Sheriff-Coroner | 19-86.
Timeline of Events
👤
2019-02-23
Backcountry Trip Begins
Matthew Kraft began a backcountry hiking and skiing trip in California
👁️
2019-03-04
Missed Pickup
Kraft failed to arrive at his intended destination for scheduled pickup by friend
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:February 23, 2019
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
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Phone: 7609327549
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Case Information
Incident:February 23, 2019
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 7609327549
You can remain anonymous