Update at 5:49 p.m.: The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office has provided a summary of the search for missing Cedar Ridge resident Dan Iwata, 74, who went for a stroll in the area of Broken Bit Road off Kewin Mill Road on Wednesday morning (2/3/26) but ended up spending the night outside in the cold. The report states that initially, after getting word of Iwata’s disappearance, deputies began searching the surrounding areas on foot and in vehicles, but could not locate him. Then the sheriff’s search and rescue and drone teams were called in and searched into the night without finding Iwata.
This morning, Thursday (2/5/26), the search resumed using a CHP helicopter, quads, side-by-side UTVs, e-bikes, and a Calaveras County Sheriff’s trailing K9.
“As concern continued to grow, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office was preparing to launch its helicopter, and additional search-and-rescue resources from Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Nevada counties were on the way when Dan was located by two TCSAR members on e-bikes,” shared TCSO, adding, “Dan was found alert and was evaluated by medics at the scene before being transported to the hospital for further examination.”
Assistance in the search was provided by Sonora CHP, Cal OES, Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, and Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Also praised were the community and members who shared information and reported possible sightings, among others.
“We would also like to extend our utmost thanks to the Sonora Area Foundation for the donation that enabled the TCSAR team to purchase e-bikes, which were instrumental in this successful outcome,” shared sheriff’s officials.
Update at 12:44 p.m.: Tuolumne County Sheriff’s officials report that the missing Cedar Ridge man, 74-year-old Dan Iwata, has been found after leaving for a walk Wednesday morning (2/3/26) and not returning.
“Dan has been FOUND!! He is alive and being assessed by medics after being out in the elements overnight,” relayed the sheriff’s search and rescue (SAR) officials.
Iwata was located around noon today. Few details are being released regarding his rescue or his condition at this time. Sheriff’s officials disclosed that more information will be released in the coming days. They added, “We want to thank our Search and Rescue team, which consists mainly of volunteers; our partners at the California Highway Patrol for their assistance with air operations and for sending out the Silver Alert for Dan; and Cal OES. We also want to thank our amazing community for providing us with information and other investigative tips that helped us find Dan alive.”
Further details on his disappearance can be viewed below.
Update on February 5 at 10:25 am: The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office reports that the search for missing man Dan Iwata is continuing today. Members of the Search and Rescue team, along with additional resources to include air support, will be in the Cedar Ridge and surrounding areas.
Update at 6:23 p.m.: A Silver Alert has been issued by the California Highway Patrol for Iwata. Tuolumne County Sheriff’s officials added, “We are still actively pursuing all leads in searching for Dan, and all resources remain in place during the search.”
Of note, click here to find out about an undated sheriff’s missing person page and the return of a Mariposa teen to her home.
Original post at 5:44 p.m.: Cedar Ridge, CA – A search is on for a missing Cedar Ridge man as Tuolumne County Sheriff’s officials report the 74-year-old man went for a walk this morning and has not returned.
Anyone who has seen the man, 74-year-old Dan Iwata, pictured in the image box, is asked to contact sheriff’s officials, who are, along with Search and Rescue and drones, combing the area near Broken Bit Road off Kewin Mill Road for him. He is reported to have left his house on foot for a walk around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026.
Sheriff’s officials described Iwata as approximately 5’4”, 140 lbs., with a long grey ponytail and unshaven grey facial hair, and brown eyes.
“He was last known to be wearing a white-colored thermal top, jeans, and a camo baseball hat,” relayed sheriff’s officials, adding. “It is reported that Dan suffers from Alzheimer’s.”
Anyone who has seen Dan or knows of his whereabouts is urged to contact the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office at 209-533-5815.
