Missing Ukiah Man Found Dead Near Low Gap Park, Authorities Say
Joshua Retallick, 51, was last seen on April 16, 2026
Story updated with comment from Josh Retallick’s family (May 7, 2026 11:58 a.m.)
Human remains discovered near the western edge of Low Gap Park on Monday have been identified as 51-year-old Ukiah resident Joshua W. Retallick, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.
Retallick’s parents Anne and Bill Retallick addressed the community in a post on Facebook Wednesday morning.
To all the good people of Mendocino county.
Josh’s dad and I wish to thank everyone of you who reached out and went above and beyond to search for our son, Josh.
We live in a community filled with compassionate, kind and very caring people, and we will be forever grateful.
Our hope is that Josh’s journey with serious Mental Illness, so publicly played out in the past three weeks, and for the past 31 years before this, might raise awareness and open hearts and minds.
Please think of this when you see others struggling with the torture that Serious Mental Illnesses can bring.
Please, remember Josh, as he was, a kind, gentle man who loved nature, animals, golf and giving back to his community by picking up refuse thrown away by others.
There is an emptiness that his passing leaves but his loving spirit will live on in our minds and hearts forever.
Retallick had been reported missing after he was last seen April 16 in the Maple Avenue area of west Ukiah, authorities said. The Ukiah Police Department began investigating the case as an at-risk missing person on April 17.
According to the sheriff’s office, Retallick was known to frequent areas near the Ukiah Valley Golf Course and west Ukiah.
The Ukiah Police Department requested assistance from the sheriff’s Search and Rescue team on April 27. A large-scale search operation involving about 60 volunteers and law enforcement personnel from Mendocino and Marin counties was conducted April 30 in west Ukiah, but investigators said no significant leads were found during the search.
On May 4 at about 11:10 a.m., a citizen reported finding possible human remains near the archery range area along the western border of Low Gap Park. Responding officers confirmed the discovery and contacted the sheriff’s office to conduct a coroner’s investigation.
Sheriff’s deputies and detectives assisted in recovering the remains, which were later identified as Retallick. Authorities said his next of kin was notified the same day.
Investigators said criminal conduct is not currently suspected.
An autopsy was completed May 6, but officials said the preliminary cause and manner of death will not yet be released pending additional reports, including toxicology analysis.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086, option 1, or leave an anonymous tip at 707-234-2100.