Body of missing San Francisco teacher found near Slate Mountain

Update 8/7/15: The body found off the OHV Trail west of Slate Mountain in the El Dorado National Forest was positively identified today as 45 year-old Edward Cavanaugh of San Francisco. The identification was done by a forensic odontologist, who compared Cavanaugh’s dental records to the upper and lower jaw bones found near his motorcycle. The cause of death is still under investigation.

August 4: The body of a San Francisco school teacher, missing after going on a dirt bike trip, was found Tuesday morning in rugged brush near an OHV trail. Friends, family and over 50 Search and Rescue volunteers from five counties had been searching for 46-year-old Edward Cavanaugh who was last seen on July 17.

At about 11:20 a.m. on August 4, the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office received a call that Cavanaugh may have been found. The caller, who was a member of the family’s search effort, said they located a motorcycle matching the description of Edward’s and a deceased person nearby. The location was off the established OHV trail system in rugged brush filled terrain west of Slate Mountain.

At about the same time, the Cavanaugh family had gathered at the Sheriff’s Office and was informed of the discovery.

“Our family would like to thank every single individual who has worked so hard to bring Ed home," the family said. "We are overwhelmed with the kindness, generosity and support that has been shown by all in finding Ed. It truly is a testament to Ed’s extraordinary spirit and beautiful soul. Ed has touched so many lives in countless ways. We hope all who love Ed find comfort in knowing that his bright spirit is with us all during this heartbreaking time.”

According to an EDSO press release, the decedent has yet to be positively identified. Sheriff’s Office OES (Office of Emergency Services) personnel, detectives, and CHP Helicopter H20 responded to the scene.

The investigation will continue with the Coroner’s Office.