Monday Afternoon Update: Mr. Keshava has been located and is safe.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office thanks our community members for their outpouring of support.   

August 7, 2023 - Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on August 5, 2023, at about 8:30 A.M. (0830 hours), Keshava went hiking in the Chumash Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest. Keshava was hiking with a group but became separated and was last seen in the area of Sawmill Mountain. Keshava had telephone contact at 5:30 P.M. (1730 hours) on August 5, 2023, and reported he was in good health and had food and water. Keshava is an experienced hiker but was unprepared to stay out overnight. Keshava was last seen wearing white t-shirt, gray shorts, black shoes, trekking poles, and a blue backpack.

Name: Balaji Keshava
Age: 78 
Height: 5' 6"   
Weight: 165
Hair: Gray
Eyes: Brown

Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Personnel searched throughout the night, but Keshava has not yet been located. The search will continue today. Anyone with information is asked to call the Ventura County Sheriff's Office at 805-654-9511.

Source & photo: Ventura County Sheriff's Office