Fresno County Search & Rescue personnel are currently on the search for a Clovis man who was reported missing earlier this afternoon. Shortly before 1:30pm today, family members reported 33 year old Gregory Hein had not returned home from a backpacking trip as expected.

Hein had left Clovis this past Thursday en route to Florence Lake where he was to begin his hike to Mt Goddard in Kings Canyon National Park. He was to return this past Monday but has not been seen or heard from.

Hein’s vehicle, a gray colored Honda Civic, was located by responding deputies parked at the Florence Lake store. However, there was no record of him using the ferry to cross the lake to the trailhead. He has also not been seen at any of the Florence Lake camp areas.

Approximately ten members of the SAR Team, including mountaineers and mounted posse members, have responded to the location and are just now starting their hike from Florence Lake towards the park. They are expected to work through the night.

The Sheriff’s helicopter, Eagle One has also been assisting since the call came in. They have just secured and will start again at first light if needed.

Hein is a white male and was last seen wearing either green or brown shorts, and a matching green or brown button up shirt. He is an experienced hiker.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Hein, or anyone who may have seen him in the Florence Lake area is asked to immediately contact the Sheriff’s Office at 600-3111.