Search Continues near Ice House Reservoir For Missing Man

UPDATE June 13, 2014 10:46 a.m. - The search for Vernon “Cody” Matthews over the last few days has not revealed any new information indicating his whereabouts. Sheriff D’Agostini is still dedicated to determining Cody’s location and search operations are continuing. Search and Rescue personnel from El Dorado, Solano, Placer and Contra Costa Counties are on scene along with personnel from the Bay Area Mountain Rescue team and the California Rescue Dog Association. A helicopter from the California Highway Patrol will also be assisting in todays search. The Sheriff’s dive team and white water rescue teams will be expanding their search of the American River while foot teams continue to cover small pockets on the ground within the current search area perimeter. High angle teams will also be working in small areas that require a higher level of expertise, while the Sheriffs investigators are still looking into the possibility that Cody has traveled outside the search area..

In addition to the previously mentioned agencies involved in the search, personnel from Contra Costa and Nevada counties also responded and assisted in today's search. As the day went on the number of involved personnel searching for Cody grew to approximately 135 above and beyond the investigative personnel pursuing leads outside the geographical search area. If Cody’s whereabouts are not confirmed this evening the search will continue tomorrow expanding the geographical search area to the north of the area currently being searched.

Over 80 personnel from several agencies are continuing the search for missing Vernon "Cody" Matthews who hasn't been heard from since June 6.

Matthews was dropped off at the family cabin in the Ice House area on June 4 and last spoke with his mother by cell phone two days later. His parents called the El Dorado County Sheriff's office on June 7 after they became concerned for Cody's safety.

Deputies responded to the cabin in the Ice House area Saturday and started an investigation. Cody was staying at the cabin by himself. He has no vehicle and his personal belongings were still at the cabin. He knows the area very well and he is an avid hiker and climber. Cody is 23 years old 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 160 to 220 pounds. He has shoulder length strawberry blond hair and a full red beard. It is not known what he is wearing. There are no indications of foul play, however Cody’s cell phone has not been used since Friday, June 6, 2014.

Personnel from the U.S. Forest Service and Solano, Marin, Napa, Placer, Douglas, and Sacramento County Search and Rescue teams are assisting El Dorado County Sheriff Search and Rescue team in the search effort. Resources dedicated to the search Tuesday include U.S. Forest Service patrol vehicles, SAR canine teams, SAR mounted horse teams, SAR foot teams, SAR motorcycle teams, SAR jeep/off road vehicle teams, the Sheriff’s dive team and a SAR white water rescue team.

If anyone has information regarding Cody’s whereabouts please contact the El Dorado County Sheriff’s dispatch center at (530)-621-6600.