Arches National Park, Utah – Search efforts are underway in Arches National Park for Francis Userovici, a 76-year-old French national who has been missing since August 16, 2024. Userovici was last seen by his family on August 13 before entering the park.
Rangers became aware of his disappearance when his rental vehicle was found abandoned at the Sand Dune Arch parking lot on August 23. The vehicle was reportedly first seen entering the park on August 16 at approximately 8:50 a.m. Authorities are now conducting an extensive search of the Sand Dune Arch area.
Userovici is described as a Caucasian male with short gray hair, standing about 5’6” tall and of slender build. He wears glasses and may have been wearing size 8.5 sneakers. It is also possible he was carrying a small red Nikon camera at the time of his disappearance.
The search for Userovici began on August 24 and has quickly expanded into a multi-agency effort. Teams from the National Park Service, Grand County Search and Rescue, and the Moab Interagency Fire Center are involved, with support from a Bureau of Land Management helicopter.
Elizabeth McGauley, a concerned individual, shared her thoughts on Facebook, saying, "Arches has some really treacherous areas. I’ve hiked there and going up some areas isn’t hard but then coming back down it’s terrifying. I definitely wouldn’t hike there by myself."
Other Facebook users expressed their concerns and hopes for Userovici’s safe return. Amanda Kirkland posted, "Hoping for a safe return!" while Helen Portillo added, "Prayers that they find him safe!"
Authorities urge anyone with relevant information or who may have seen an individual fitting Userovici’s description to contact the National Park Service Tip Line at 888-653-0009, submit a tip online, or email nps_isb@nps.gov.