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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the many agencies, organizations, volunteers, and community members who assisted in the successful search for 23-year-old Jake Jakubowski in the Honeydew and Mattole area.

 Jake was reported missing on the afternoon of July 30, 2026. Due to concerns for his well-being, the Sheriff’s Office immediately launched a coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation. Search efforts began that same evening and continued through the night and into the following day without stopping until Jake was safely located. Jake had survived the ordeal without food or water while alone in the rugged wilderness, highlighting the urgency and importance of the coordinated search effort. Searchers covered miles of rugged terrain using ground teams, drones, SAR K9 teams, a fixed-wing aircraft, a helicopter, and other search resources.

 As local searchers worked overnight and into the next day, additional Search and Rescue volunteers from across California drove through the night to Humboldt County to assist with the next operational period. We are especially grateful to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CAL OES) for maintaining a strong Search and Rescue Mutual Aid System. When faced with a search covering a large area and very few clues, the ability to quickly request approximately 50 additional trained searchers and K9 teams is invaluable.

We also thank the members of the public who shared information and remained vigilant throughout the search. Community awareness ultimately played a critical role in Jake’s safe recovery after a citizen recognized him and contacted law enforcement.

 During this mission, there were instances where search teams were unable to access private property due to locked gates. While we respect private property rights, we encourage property owners to assist law enforcement during active missing person searches whenever possible. Search teams are there for one purpose only: to locate and safely recover a missing person. Every hour matters, and community cooperation can make all the difference.

 We especially want to recognize the incredible commitment of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Volunteer Team. These dedicated men and women are unpaid volunteers who leave their jobs, families, and personal commitments at a moment’s notice to help complete strangers. Their professionalism, training, and selfless service are an invaluable asset to Humboldt County.

This mission was truly a team effort. We would like to thank the many agencies and organizations that provided personnel, equipment, and support throughout the operation, including the California Rescue Dog Association, Marin County Search and Rescue, Mendocino County Search and Rescue, Trinity County Search and Rescue, Siskiyou County Search and Rescue, Butte County Search and Rescue, Santa Clara County Search and Rescue, Sonoma County Search and Rescue, Napa County Search and Rescue, California Search and Rescue, California State Parks, the United States Coast Guard, the California National Guard, CAL OES FIRIS, Humboldt County Public Works Roads Division and the Honeydew Store.

 One moment from this mission perfectly captured the heart of our volunteers. At lunch, there was one chicken sandwich left over from the Honeydew Store. The Incident Commander asked if anyone wanted the extra sandwich to refuel after the grueling search conditions. One SAR volunteer simply replied, “That one’s for Jake.” Later, after Jake was found safe and reunited with searchers, that same chicken sandwich was waiting for him in the Sheriff’s Mobile Command Center while he warmed up. It was a simple gesture that reflected what this mission was always about, bringing Jake home safely.

The Search and Rescue Team is a nonprofit organization that relies on community support for equipment, training, and operations. To learn more, become a volunteer, or make a donation, please visit www.HumboldtSAR.org.

 The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is grateful this mission ended with Jake being found safely and thanks everyone whose efforts made that possible.