A desperate search is underway for Julie Elizabeth Goforth, 63, of Long Beach, California, who vanished last week while dirt biking with a friend in the Mojave Desert. San Bernardino County authorities launched a full-scale search on Friday after Goforth became separated from her companion.
Goforth was reportedly testing out a new Kawasaki KLX300R dirt bike with a friend identified only as Juan at El Mirage Dry Lake. The pair had agreed to split up for a short time to explore separate trails, planning to reunite at the El Mirage Visitor Center within ten minutes. However, when Juan returned to the designated meeting spot, Goforth was not there.
Authorities stated that Goforth had decided to head back to their parked vehicle to rest. When Juan later returned to the car, Goforth could not be found. Despite an initial search by her companion, no trace of the 63-year-old was discovered.
“He says to me, ‘I’m trying not to panic but I’m panicking,’ and my heart sunk. I thought she was injured,” Goforth’s wife, Laura Wells, told CBS, recounting the moment she received the call. Wells added that she is desperate for Goforth's safe return, stating, “I don’t care how badly she’s hurt. I’ll take care of her, just come home, I just want her to come home.”
According to Wells, Goforth is an experienced rider who frequently rode with friends in the El Mirage Off Highway Recreation Area at least six times a year. "As far as I’m understanding, it’s a straight shot down the hill for her, and she’s been here many times, so it’s hard for me to imagine she couldn’t find her way there,” Wells told KTLA.
Goforth is described as being 5-foot-7 and weighing approximately 140 pounds. She was last seen wearing a white shirt and black-and-white dirt bike pants. Her family is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to her safe return.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone with information to contact them at 760-552-6800. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by texting REPORT to We-Tip at 844-909-3006.