News
Released: May 14, 2026 - Thursday, 03:12 PM
On 5-12-2026, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a missing person report at Pirates Cove in Avila Beach. Friends reported they became concerned when Kiehl failed to arrive at the Grover Beach train station to pick someone up as planned on 5-12-2026.
Kiehl’s vehicle was later discovered unoccupied in the Cave Landing parking lot in Avila Beach.
The Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) team responded to the area and began searching for Kiehl alongside the Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol, CAL OES and Cal Fire. Search efforts continued for two days but Kiehl was not located.
Investigators are continuing to follow up on leads and are speaking with witnesses who may have seen Kiehl prior to his disappearance.
If anyone has information on his whereabouts or believes they had contact with Kiehl anywhere in the Pirates Cove area or any surrounding beaches on 5-11-2026 or 5-12-26, please contact the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 805-781-4500.
Missing Person Update
Contact: Tony CipollaPhone: 805-781-4547Date and time of incident: 5-12-2026, Approximately 6:15 PMPlace of Occurrence: Pirates Cove, Avila BeachVictim Information: Gary Michael Kiehl, 72, Arroyo GrandeSuspect Information: N/AThe Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the missing person case of 72-year-old Gary Kiehl of Arroyo Grande.On 5-12-2026, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a missing person report at Pirates Cove in Avila Beach. Friends reported they became concerned when Kiehl failed to arrive at the Grover Beach train station to pick someone up as planned on 5-12-2026.
Kiehl’s vehicle was later discovered unoccupied in the Cave Landing parking lot in Avila Beach.
The Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) team responded to the area and began searching for Kiehl alongside the Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol, CAL OES and Cal Fire. Search efforts continued for two days but Kiehl was not located.
Investigators are continuing to follow up on leads and are speaking with witnesses who may have seen Kiehl prior to his disappearance.
If anyone has information on his whereabouts or believes they had contact with Kiehl anywhere in the Pirates Cove area or any surrounding beaches on 5-11-2026 or 5-12-26, please contact the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 805-781-4500.
