As a massive search for a missing San Francisco teacher heads into its third day, his family remains unflaggingly hopeful.
Trickling in from New York, Colorado, Chicago, Oregon and elsewhere, they have even created slogans, including #FindEdToday and #BringEdHome.
Ed Cavanaugh, 45, is believed to have gone missing July 17. A friend accompanied Cavanaugh to Georgetown, but he took off on his own after lunch, his sister Debbie Cavanaugh Schultz said.
The popular Downtown Continuation High School teacher rents a cabin near the Eldorado National Forest. Surveillance footage shows Cavanaugh riding a blue Yamaha YZ 250 motorcycle along the Rock Creek trail area around 11 a.m. July 17. He was clad in Fox brand dirt biking clothing and a black helmet.
However, Schultz said there's no sign of him returning and he hasn’t been seen or heard from ever since.
"It's as if he vanished into thin air," Schultz told Dateline NBC. "I thank each and every person who comes out to help and they just say, 'No, Ed would have been first in line if it were me.'"
According to NBC News, the outdoor experience teacher has led multiple backpacking trips and excursions with students, making his disappearance an even greater mystery.
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Cavanaugh is also diabetic and reliant on daily insulin doses, Schultz said, adding that she is worried about him running out of medication, water and food.
Search-and-rescue teams from El Dorado, Yolo and Stanislaus counties have brought their expertise to the hunt. Teams have combed the sometimes treacherous landscape on motorcycles, quads, and on foot.
But Cavanaugh’s friends, colleagues and students have also contributed to the effort.
“My family and I have always known how special and extraordinary Ed is,” Schultz said. But she described the outpouring of support – even from strangers – as “extraordinary” and “tremendous.”
On Monday, Schultz said, “On our end, we have over 40 people hitting the forest today, searching on foot and by bike.”
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office also is “continuing its effort and has canine dogs out today,” she said, adding that a National Guard helicopter is also expected to assist.
But Schultz said that the area’s terrain and her brother’s medical condition are of concern to the Cavanaugh family as is officials being able to sustain the importance they have given the search.
“The sheriff’s department has been phenomenal and we are hopeful that they can continue the level of attention that they have given this mission,” she said.
Schultz also pleaded with locals who live in the forest to "share any information on Ed.”
Cavanaugh is described as 5'11", weighing 160 lbs with a bald head and a mustache. Anyone who sees him or has knowledge about his whereabouts is requested to call the Georgetown Ranger Station at (530) 333-4312 or the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office at (530) 621-5655. [[318704201, C]]
