Body of Missing Hiker Found Thursday Morning

By the edhat staff

Search & Rescue teams have found the body of a hiker who went missing near Gaviota Peak this past weekend.

Tim Sgrignoli, 29 of Ventura, went missing Sunday afternoon while hiking with his girlfriend in the Tresspass Trail/Gaviota area. Both hikers were suffering from heat exhaustion and Sgrignoli went looking for water and help.

Tim Sgrignoli (Courtesy Photo)

Emergency personnel responded to the scene and were only able to find his girlfriend, who was evacuated by helicopter to receive treatment. Rescue crews and law enforcement conducted a search for Sgrignoli but were unable to locate him before sun down on Sunday.

Approximately 60 personnel, multiple search dogs, UTV’s, drones working in collaboration with helicopters, live scent dogs and cadaver dogs, searched for the missing hiker.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Thursday morning one of the mutual Search and Rescue teams from San Mateo County made the discovery Sgrinoli’s body. He was found about 20 feet from Highway 101 just north of the Gaviota tunnel. Search teams were directed to that location based on the information that had developed over the last few days, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation continues and the exact cause of death is not yet known.

September 4, 2022: Missing Hiker Near Gaviota Peak