A retired Long Beach teacher, 63-year-old Julie Goforth, has been found deceased in a remote desert area six days after she was reported missing during an off-roading excursion. Authorities confirmed her discovery on Thursday afternoon, stating that the circumstances surrounding her death are currently under investigation.
Goforth was last seen on Friday in the El Mirage Dry Lake Off Highway Recreation Area, a vast expanse near Adelanto. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has not disclosed the exact location where her body was found or whether her dirt bike was recovered. The department extended condolences to Goforth's family and friends and acknowledged the extensive search efforts undertaken by deputies and volunteers, who utilized various methods including off-road vehicles, bikes, horses, K9 units, drones, helicopters, and planes.
According to Goforth's daughter, Candice Walker, the retired educator was an experienced rider who had recently acquired a new dirt bike. She visited the 27,000-acre recreation area with a friend to test the vehicle. After encountering some difficulty with the bike, Goforth reportedly told her friend she was returning to their vehicle. However, upon his return, Goforth was no longer there.
Carrie Buelna of the nonprofit Friends of El Mirage expressed bewilderment, noting that the route from the riding area to the parking spot should have been easily navigable, particularly for someone familiar with the terrain. Concerns about Goforth's disappearance were heightened by the region's extreme summer heat, with temperatures consistently exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the week.
Goforth, who had retired from her teaching position at Albert Baxter Elementary School in Bellflower within the past two years, was described by her daughter as outgoing and athletic, with interests including surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, and volunteering. She is survived by a two-year-old granddaughter.
