The mysterious disappearance of a prominent California attorney has taken a disturbing turn with the discovery of his abandoned vehicle on a remote ranch property, as family members reveal he was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Gavin Plath, 51, vanished without trace on September 4th, leaving his loved ones and law enforcement scrambling for answers in what has become an increasingly concerning case.
Abandoned Vehicle Sparks Intensive Search
Plath's white 2016 Ford F-150 truck was discovered parked and apparently abandoned on a sprawling 3,000-acre ranch in the rugged terrain of Tehama County. The location, described as extremely remote, has become the focal point of an intensive ground and aerial search operation.
"The vehicle was found in a very isolated area," confirmed Tehama County Assistant Sheriff Phil Johnston. "We've deployed every resource available to try to locate Mr. Plath, but the terrain is challenging and the property is massive."
Cancer Diagnosis Adds Urgency to Search
In a heartbreaking revelation, Plath's family disclosed that the missing attorney had recently received a cancer diagnosis, adding a layer of medical urgency to the already critical search efforts.
"We're absolutely terrified about what might have happened," a family member stated. "The combination of his medical condition and being missing in such remote wilderness is every family's worst nightmare."
Community Rallies in Search Efforts
Local community members have joined professional search teams in scouring the vast ranch property, using ATVs, drones, and foot patrols to cover the challenging landscape. The search has been complicated by the area's dense vegetation and limited access points.
Plath, described as an experienced outdoorsman, was last seen wearing a grey sweatshirt, blue jeans, and brown shoes. He stands at 6'2" and weighs approximately 190 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.
Law Enforcement Appeals for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Plath's whereabouts or who may have seen him in the days leading up to his disappearance to come forward immediately.
"Time is of the essence in these types of cases," Assistant Sheriff Johnston emphasized. "We're treating this as a critical missing persons case and are pursuing every possible angle."
The Tehama County Sheriff's Office has established a dedicated tip line for information related to the case as the search enters its most critical phase.
