On July 1, 2021, at approximately 9:00 P.M., 77-year-old Gary Sokol, who has medical and cognitive difficulties, was last seen at his home on Wrightwood Road in Bonsall. 

On July 2, 2021, at approximately 6:30 P.M., Mr. Sokol was reported missing by his pastor.  The Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue, San Diego Mountain Rescue, and Sheriff's Senior Volunteer Patrol responded to assist with looking for Mr. Sokol.  Sheriff's helicopters, ASTREA, also responded and made numerous public service announcements in the area surrounding Mr. Sokol's residence by providing Mr. Sokol's name, physical descriptors and asking anyone who may have seen him to contact law enforcement.  The Sheriff's Communication Center called phones in the area surrounding Mr. Sokol's residence.  The search for Mr. Sokol continued each day.

In the early morning hours on July 5, 2021, a resident living on Via Gianelli, Bonsall called to report a person down in the 6900 block of W. Lilac Road.  North County Fire responded and unfortunately found the male deceased. The male was later identified as Gary Sokol. Notifications were made to Mr. Sokol's family.

We thank the media for their help getting the word out, the public for their help looking out for Mr. Sokol, as well as our Search and Rescue and Senior Volunteers for their efforts.