Search for Missing Siskiyou Man Ends at Kidder Creek

On the evening of Wednesday, April 30th, Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Deputies received a report of an overdue hiker who had been mushroom hunting along Kidder Creek in Scott Valley. The man, 78-year-old Duane Sidebottom, was last seen successfully crossing Kidder Creek in waders, but failed to appear at a designated pick-up location a few hours later.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) team was immediately dispatched to look for Mr. Sidebottom and a second wave of volunteers and a local US Forest Service Hotshot crew were summoned the next morning to continue the search. Tragically, the Hotshot team discovered the body of Mr. Sidebottom submerged in the creek at approximately 11:20 am on May 1st, roughly a mile downstream from his point last seen.

Due to the hazardous location of Mr. Sidebottom in the creek, rescuers were unable to safely reach him, so a specialized CalFire swift water rescue team was called in for the recovery effort. Next of kin were then notified of Mr. Sidebottom’s passing, and a preliminary investigation ruled out foul play, though the cause and manner of death are still pending an autopsy.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office offers its most heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Sidebottom during this difficult time. We also would like to express our gratitude to the first responders from the US Forest Service, CalFire, Salmon River Hotshot Crew, Fort Jones Fire Department, Siskiyou County SAR team, and Etna Police Department for their rapid response to this incident and for their continued dedication to the safety of Siskiyou County residents.

If you have any information pertaining to this incident, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (530) 841-2900. For media inquiries, contact our Public Information Officer at (530) 598-1647.