A Southern California woman vanished during what was supposed to be a fun day of dirt biking in the Mojave Desert, sparking a frantic search as her heartbroken loved ones cling to hope she’ll be found alive.
Julie Elizabeth Goforth, 63, of Long Beach, disappeared while riding with a friend at El Mirage Dry Lake, prompting San Bernardino County authorities to launch a full-scale search Friday.
Goforth had been breaking in her brand-new green-and-black Kawasaki KLX300R with a friend named Juan last week when something went terribly wrong, authorities said.
Her wife, Laura Wells, said her world was turned upside down after receiving a devastating phone call from Goforth’s riding partner.
The pair had split up to explore separate trails, agreeing to meet back at the El Mirage Visitor Center after 10 minutes of riding alone, Wells said.
But when Juan returned to the meeting spot, she was nowhere to be found. Despite searching the area, he couldn’t find any trace of the 63-year-old.
“He says to me, ‘I’m trying not to panic but I’m panicking,’ and my heart sunk. I thought she was injured,” Wells said of the horrifying call, as reported by CBS.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Goforth became separated from her companion after deciding to head back to their parked vehicle to rest. When Juan later returned to the car, Goforth was nowhere to be found.
“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,” Wells told CBS.
She said that Goforth is an experienced rider, who would bike with friends at least six times a year near the El Mirage Dry Lake Off Highway Recreation Area in Adelanto, according to the news outlet.
“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, who is 5-foot-7 and weighs about 140 pounds, was last seen wearing a white shirt and black-and-white dirt bike pants. The heartbroken family is offering a $10,000 reward for her safe return.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department urges anyone who has seen her to contact them at 760-552-6800. Those wishing to remain anonymous can send a tip by texting REPORT to We-Tip at 844-909-3006.
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