Their car was found abandoned in the snow, far off their route, in the Plumas National Forest. The car wasn’t stuck, and had gas, suggesting they left it. The men weren’t dressed for the severe weather.

Later, the bodies of four of the men were found. One, Ted Weiher, was found dead in a forest service cabin. He’d been there for several weeks, dying slowly from exposure. His possessions were left untouched, but oddly, he’d opened many cans of food while leaving a large supply untouched. The other three bodies were found nearby.

Mathias’s sneakers were found in the cabin with Weiher. He’s presumed dead because police believe he would not have been able to avoid contact if he’d survived. However, his body has never been found, and the case remains unsolved. The four friends’ families suspect Mathias may have been involved in their deaths. Mathias had a history of mental illness and drug abuse, but had been doing better before his disappearance.