News
Released: May 13, 2026 - Wednesday, 11:05 AM
The missing person has been identified as 72-year-old Gary Kiehl of Arroyo Grande.
Friends reported they had become worried when Kiehl was supposed to pick someone up on 5-12-2026 at the Grover Beach train station but failed to show. The last known contact with Kiehl was on 5-11-2026 at 2:00 PM.
Kiehl's vehicle was later discovered unoccupied at the Cave Landing parking lot in Avila Beach.
The Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) team responded to the location and began searching for Kiehl which lasted into the overnight hours on 5-13-2026. SAR returned this morning to continue the search.
This is a joint operation with the cellular forensic team FALCON from the County Office of Emergency services, Coast Guard helicopter and cutter, Harbor Patrol, and Cal Fire's water rescue craft.
Kiehl is described as an adult White male, 5' 10" tall, 180 pounds, brown hair, and hazel eyes. Kiehl has no history of prior missing person reports. Kiehl is said to enjoy walking along the cliffs in the Pirates Cove area. At this time, this incident is not considered suspicious.
If you have information on his whereabouts, please contact the Sheriff's Office at 805-781-4550.
Missing Person
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/AOn 5-12-2026, Sheriff's Deputies responded to a missing person report at Pirates Cove in Avila Beach.The missing person has been identified as 72-year-old Gary Kiehl of Arroyo Grande.
Friends reported they had become worried when Kiehl was supposed to pick someone up on 5-12-2026 at the Grover Beach train station but failed to show. The last known contact with Kiehl was on 5-11-2026 at 2:00 PM.
Kiehl's vehicle was later discovered unoccupied at the Cave Landing parking lot in Avila Beach.
The Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) team responded to the location and began searching for Kiehl which lasted into the overnight hours on 5-13-2026. SAR returned this morning to continue the search.
This is a joint operation with the cellular forensic team FALCON from the County Office of Emergency services, Coast Guard helicopter and cutter, Harbor Patrol, and Cal Fire's water rescue craft.
Kiehl is described as an adult White male, 5' 10" tall, 180 pounds, brown hair, and hazel eyes. Kiehl has no history of prior missing person reports. Kiehl is said to enjoy walking along the cliffs in the Pirates Cove area. At this time, this incident is not considered suspicious.
If you have information on his whereabouts, please contact the Sheriff's Office at 805-781-4550.
