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

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office said friends were concerned after Keel failed to pick up someone at the Grover Beach train station. His unoccupied vehicle was later found in the Cave Landing parking lot.

“Friends reported that they were concerned when Keel was supposed to be picked up at the Grover Beach train station on May 12, 2026 but failed to show up. The last contact with Keel was on May 11, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote.

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“Kiehl’s vehicle was later found unoccupied in the Cave Landing parking lot in Avila Beach. Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) arrived on scene and began searching for Kiehl, which continued into the night of May 13, 2026. SAR returned this morning to continue the search,” the post added.

The Sheriff’s Office said it was a joint operation with the California Office of Emergency Services’ Cellular Forensics Team FALCON, Coast Guard helicopters and cutters, Harbor Patrol and Cal Fire water rescue boats.

Keel is described as an adult white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 180 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He has no previous missing persons reports.

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“Keir is said to have enjoyed walking along the cliffs in the Pirates Bay area. This incident is not being considered at this time suspicious”, X post said.

Anyone with information about Kiehl’s whereabouts is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 805-781-4550.