AN IRISH family are appealing for information on David Sullivan, 25, who went missing in April while hiking alone, following a new reported sighting.
Mr O’Sullivan, from Midleton in Co. Cork, was last heard from on April 7 in Idyllwild, California after he left Ireland to undertake the Pacific Crest Trail.
The 25-year-old was due to meet a friend in Santa Barbara in early May, but he failed to show up.
Concerns have grown for the former UCC student after it emerged he was a novice hiker with no experience in alpine conditions, despite deep snow and ice along the route.
In a Facebook appeal this week, Mr O’Sullivan’s family said a pair of fellow hikers had gotten in touch to say they met David as recently as August 20.
The O’Sullivan family said that a man and his girlfriend explained they met David “travelling from Packwood to the trail head that leads to Leech Lake on or about Aug 20.”
The family added that the hikers told them David is known on the Pacific Crest Trail by his “trail name” – ‘Leprechaun’ – as they appealed for anyone in the local area who may have met their son to come forward.
The post read: “They got a spin with him. They claim that David’s trail name is Leprechaun.
“Can anyone remember meeting David or someone with the trail name 'leprechaun' around then or since?
“Any information would be much appreciated.”
The last reported sighting of David occurred between the dates of April 10-15 near to Cabazon – just north of San Diego.
His mobile phone has not been switched on since March 22 when he began his hike in California, US authorities said.
David O’Sullivan has been reported missing to An Garda Síochána, the American and Irish Embassies, Interpol and US police departments as well as search and rescue teams throughout California.
He is described as 5’10”, 154lbs, with black hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with any information on David O’Sullivan’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Murietta Police Department on +1 (001) 951 6963615.
