Rescuers search for missing Bay Area skier at Bear Valley Resort

BEAR VALLEY, Calif. - The Alpine County Sheriff's Department is actively searching for a Bay Area man last seen at Bear Valley Mountain Resort. 

Thomas Mullarkey, a Richmond resident, was reported missing at 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday by his wife Jane Drummond-Mullarke. She told the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office that her husband had not returned to their cabin in Arnold, after a day of skiing at the Bear Valley Mountain Resort located in Alpine County.

Alpine County Sheriff’s Office personnel located Mr. Mullarkey’s car at the Resort shortly after 11:30 p.m.. Due to extreme avalanche danger a search of the surrounding terrain could not be initiated overnight.

At approximately 7 a.m. Thursday,  members of Calaveras County Search and Rescue, Alpine County Search and Rescue, resort ski patrol, and Sheriff’s Office personnel resumed the search. An Air National Guard and California Highway Patrol Helicopter were deployed as well, but were grounded almost immediately upon arriving at Bear Valley due to low visibility, wind, and snow. Search conditions continue to be very hazardous due to extreme avalanche conditions.

Mullarkey is 65 years-old, 5’ 8”, approximately 150 pounds with gray hair and blue eyes. He is known to be an advanced skier and in good health. 

If anyone has information that may lead to determining Thomas Mullarkey's whereabouts, please call Undersheriff Spencer Case at (530) 694-2231 ex: 357.