What happened to Gary Kiehl? Search underway after 72-year-old Arroyo Grande, California man goes missing

Friends became concerned after Kiehl failed to show up to pick someone up at the Grover Beach train station, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office said. His unoccupied vehicle was later discovered at the Cave Landing parking lot.

“Friends reported they had become worried when Kiehl was supposed to pick someone up on 5-12-2026 at the Grover Beach train station but failed to show. The last known contact with Kiehl was on 5-11-2026 at 2:00 PM,” the sheriff’s office wrote.

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“Kiehl’s vehicle was later discovered unoccupied at the Cave Landing parking lot in Avila Beach. The Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) team responded to the location and began searching for Kiehl which lasted into the overnight hours on 5-13-2026. SAR returned this morning to continue the search,” the post added.

The sheriff’s office stated that this is a joint operation with the cellular forensic team FALCON from the California Office of Emergency services, Coast Guard helicopter and cutter, Harbor Patrol, and Cal Fire’s water rescue craft.

Kiehl has been described as an adult White male who is 5′ 10″, weighs 180 pounds, has brown hair and hazel eyes, and does not have any history of previous missing person reports.

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“Kiehl is said to enjoy walking along the cliffs in the Pirates Cove area. At this time, this incident is not considered suspicious,” the X post said.

Anyone with information on Kiehl’s whereabouts has been urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 805-781-4550.