March 16, 2026 – Merced County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on March 15, 2026, at 2:04 a.m., Deputies responded to the Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area near the San Luis Reservoir in Los Banos for a report of a missing person. 21-year-old Hector Faburrieta Ramirez had been missing since 6:00 p.m. on March 14, 2026, after getting separated from his hiking and hunting group.

Deputies immediately began searching with the assistance of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office Helicopter. The Merced County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team, Fish and Wildlife, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team, along with our Sable 6 Helicopter, also responded to the scene to assist in the search. At around 12:00 noon on Sunday, Hector was located slightly dehydrated but otherwise okay and received medical care.

We want to thank the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit, Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for their assistance in helping locate Hector safely!

Source: Merced County Sheriff’s Office