parks
Missing dirt biker found dead in San Bernardino County desert
By Elizabeth Chavolla at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 17, 2026
· 1 min read
A 63-year-old woman who disappeared while riding dirt bikes in the El Mirage Dry Lake Off-Highway Recreation Area has been found dead after a weeklong search, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Authorities said Julie Elizabeth Goforth was located deceased in a remote ...
Key takeaway Authorities said Julie Elizabeth Goforth was located deceased in a remote desert area on July 16, at about 12:27 p.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The death of Julie Elizabeth Goforth in the El Mirage Dry Lake Off-Highway Recreation Area raises concerns about safety in Los Angeles County's neighboring desert recreation areas. As a popular destination for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, the El Mirage area attracts many visitors from the Los Angeles area, highlighting the need for awareness about the risks associated with riding in remote desert areas. The fact that Goforth became separated from her friend and was unable to be located for nearly a week underscores the challenges of searching for missing persons in these vast and rugged areas. The ongoing investigation into Goforth's death will likely examine the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and whether any factors contributed to the tragic outcome. Residents and visitors alike should be aware of the potential dangers of desert recreation and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A 63-year-old woman who disappeared while riding dirt bikes in the El Mirage Dry Lake Off-Highway Recreation Area has been found dead after a weeklong search, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Authorities said Julie Elizabeth Goforth was located deceased in a remote ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Elizabeth Chavolla at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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