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
📍
location
Lead #1What was Kraft's exact planned hiking and skiing route, and were there any alternative routes he might have taken?
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evidence
Lead #2What specific conditions regarding snow instability and avalanche risk were present in the area during late February and early March 2019?
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witness
Lead #3Did anyone observe Kraft or his vehicle in the Independence area or along backcountry routes during the trip?
Matthew Charles Kraft, a 24-year-old male, departed on a backcountry hiking and skiing trip in California on February 23, 2019, and never arrived at his intended pickup location on March 4, 2019. His vehicle was found near Independence, California, but extensive search efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies across his planned route have not located him, hampered by snow instability and avalanche hazards. The case remains unsolved, and anyone with information about Kraft's whereabouts or movements during that trip is urged to contact the Mono County Sheriff-Coroner.
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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 #4What was the condition of Kraft's vehicle when found, and did it contain any clues about his intended destination or 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 Departure
Matthew Charles Kraft began a backcountry hiking and skiing trip in California.
👁️
2019-03-04
Missed Pickup
Kraft failed to arrive at his intended destination where he was supposed to be picked up by his friend.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:February 23, 2019
Last Updated:June 2, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 7609327549
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Case Information
Incident:February 23, 2019
Last Updated:June 2, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 7609327549
You can remain anonymous