ADELANTO, Calif. (VVNG.com) — After nearly a week of searching, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that 63-year-old Julie Elizabeth Goforth of Long Beach was found deceased after disappearing while riding in the El Mirage Dry Lake Off-Highway Recreation Area.

According to a written statement released Friday morning, Goforth was located in a remote desert area on Thursday, July 16, at approximately 12:27 p.m. A source familiar with the search told VVNG that Goforth was found by a maintenance worker behind the Shadow Mountain area.

The Sheriff’s Department said the circumstances surrounding Goforth’s death remain under investigation and has not publicly identified the location where she was found.

Authorities also did not release any information about Goforth’s gray Kawasaki KLX 300R-style dirt bike, which she was riding when she disappeared. When asked by VVNG whether the motorcycle had been recovered, Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Gloria Orejel said, “Additional details are not being released at this time.”

According to a source familiar with the search efforts, Goforth was found behind the area known as Little Shadow Mountain.

Goforth disappeared on Friday, July 10, after becoming separated from a friend while riding dirt bikes in the El Mirage Dry Lake Off-Highway Recreation Area located at 20471 Mountain View Road in Adelanto.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, she told her friend she was returning to their vehicle to rest. When the friend arrived back at the vehicle, Goforth was gone, prompting an extensive search of the surrounding desert.

In the days that followed, the Sheriff’s Department’s Search and Rescue teams, Aviation Division, family members, friends, and dozens of volunteers searched miles of rugged desert terrain in hopes of finding her. Authorities had classified Goforth as an at-risk missing person because of the extreme heat and concerns she may have been without water.

In its written statement, the Sheriff’s Department said it was “saddened to confirm that Julie Goforth has been located deceased in a remote desert area.”

The department also extended “its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss.”

Sheriff’s officials thanked the off-highway vehicle community and the many volunteers who assisted throughout the search.

“The compassion, concern, and commitment shown by community members serve as a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from people coming together during difficult times. Your efforts were deeply valued and greatly appreciated,” the department said.

Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact Detective Harris at (760) 552-6800. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text We-Tip by sending “REPORT” to (844) 909-3006 or submit information online.

Related Article: Long Beach Woman Missing After Becoming Separated From Riding Partner At El Mirage OHV Area

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