GRANTS PASS, Ore. (Nov 28, 2025) — The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a 57-year-old Grants Pass man who went missing Wednesday after leaving for a hike with his three dogs in the Merlin/Galice area.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Gary Hoefflinger left his home around 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 27 to hike in the Timber and China Creek trail areas, where he is known to frequent. He was last seen wearing jeans, a red shirt and a tan jacket.
Deputies said Hoefflinger is described as 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing approximately 270 pounds, with dark brown hair and blue eyes.
A photo released by authorities shows Hoefflinger’s vehicle — a 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 with Oregon license plate 528QQB — along with his three dogs. Investigators say they are searching for the man, the dogs, and the pickup.
Anyone with information about Hoefflinger’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office at 541-474-5123 and reference case number 25-28831.
The search remains ongoing.
11/29/25 UPDATE: The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement:
Mr. Hoefflinger has been located. We would like to thank all the citizens that selflessly assisted in locating Gary.
No additional information was released by authorities.
Medford Alert News has contacted the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office for further information, and will provide an update once a response is received.
Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel provided Medford Alert News the following information:
I will tell you he has been located and is deceased after driving down a very steep ravine. There is no evidence of foul play. The three dogs in the truck were located alive and out of the truck. They were taken to a veterinarian for examination.
Out of respect for the family, officials say no additional information will be released.
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