Search on for man missing in Alpine County near Bear Valley

There is an active search underway for Thomas Mullarkey after he failed to return to his Arnold, California cabin after a day of skiing at Bear Valley Resort in Alpine County Wednesday.

His wife Jane Drummond-Mullarkey contacted the Alpine County Sheriff's Office at 11:30 p.m. March 14 when her husband did not return. Shortly after, sheriff's personnel located his car at the resort.

Due to extreme avalanche danger a search of the surrounding terrain could not be initiated during the hours of darkness. At approximately 7 :00 a.m. March 15, members of Calaveras County Search and Rescue, Alpine County Search and Rescue, resort ski patrol, and Sheriff’s Office personnel resumed the search.

Helicopters from the California Highway Patrol Air Division and the Air National Guard arrived Thursday to assist in the search burn the storm blew in before they were able to leave the area and they are grounded.

Search conditions continue to be very hazardous due to extreme avalanche conditions.

Thomas Mullarkey is a 65-year-old white male adult, 5’ 8” tall, approximately 150 pounds with grey hair and blue eyes. He is known to be an advanced skier and in good health. He is believed to be wearing the same ski suit as depicted in the attached photos.

If anyone has information that may lead to determining Mr. Mullarkey's whereabouts, please call Undersheriff Spencer Case at (530) 694-2231 ex: 357.