NORTH COAST, Calif. — The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office needs the public’s help to locate a missing McKinleyville man.

On Aug. 24, a concerned citizen contacted the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office to report a friend, Jesse Bill Austin, 80, had left a concerning note at their residence. 

The note stated Austin had left his silver and gold 2001 GMC van at the airport in McKinleyville. 

Deputies responded to the airport and located Austin’s van parked in long term parking. Deputies viewed the airport security video where Austin parked the van and walked towards the terminal. He entered an area which was not recorded and was not seen leaving. At about the same time a silver sedan, possibly Toyota, is seen leaving from the same location. 

During the initial investigation, deputies checked with the airlines and rental car companies which had no record of Austin making a purchase. Austin’s cell phone information provided his most recent activity was near Railroad Dr. in McKinleyville. The reporting party also stated that Austin had been a white-water rafting guide. 

On Tuesday afternoon, a friend of Austin’s contacted the sheriff’s office to report he had given Austin a ride.  The friend stated he picked Austin up from the airport on Aug. 24 and transported him to the Cedar Flat Rest area on Highway 299.

According to the friend, Austin stated he was meeting a family member and was last seen sitting at a picnic table. Austin was in possession of a backpack, possibly gray in color, a blue waterproof bag, a gallon of water and some food.

He is described as a white male, with gray hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, is about 180 pounds and is known to walk with a cane.

Anyone with information on Austin’s whereabouts is asked to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or Investigator Mike Fridley at 707-441-3024.