New search near Davis Lake fails to find missing La Pine man

(Update: New search fails to find Humbard)

An extensive weekend search that involved several K-9 teams and a drone failed to find a La Pine man missing since earlier this month, authorities said Monday.

On Saturday, 101 Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue volunteers and a deputy continued the search for Gary Humbard in the area around where his SUV was found near Davis Lake, said Lt. Chad Davis.

The search included several K-9 teams and an unmanned aerial system (drone) team. Crook County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue also assisted with several K-9 teams.

Humbard was not found, and Davis said “there are no leads at this time as to which direction Humbard may have left from his vehicle.”

Searchers worked most of the day, searching through open areas with tall grass, as well as densely forested areas with significant dead and down timber.

Davis said the case “remains an open missing person investigation and future searches will occur as ground conditions and resources permit.

“Our thoughts are with Mr. Humbard’s family,” he added.

The sheriff’s office again asked anyone who has information regarding the case to call non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.

Humbard, 61, was reported missing Sept. 10 after not returning phone calls from family members. His maroon 1999 Ford Explorer also was missing.

The sheriff’s office on Sept. 16 received a report from a group of hunters in the Davis Lake area who had found the Explorer at a nearby trailhead, Davis said.

One of the hunters reported seeing a man, later confirmed to be Humbard, leave the SUV with a backpack back on Sept. 2, when they were in the same area on a previous hunting trip, Davis said.

When they saw the SUV again on a return trip, they thought that was suspicious and called dispatch.

Based on the information, Davis said it’s believed Humbard drove to the area on Sept. 2 and left on foot to an unknown destination.

An initial news release indicated Humbard suffers from medical issues that could hinder his ability to drive or walk for very long periods of time. He’s described as a white male, 5-foot-10 and weighting about 180 pounds.

The initial Sept. 11 note to the public also said it’s believed Humbard may be a danger to himself, so the public is asked to contact 911 if he’s seen or his whereabouts are known.