On March 8^th, 2021, the family of 37-year-old Glendale resident Narineh Avakian reported her missing to the Glendale Police Department.  The family informed officers that Narineh had left her residence on March 7^th, 2021 at approximately 12:00 p.m.  Prior to leaving, Narineh told her family she was going on a one-day hiking trip, but did not provide a location and never returned home.   Per the family, it is common for Narineh to go hiking with groups and on solo trips – though lately she has been going solo.

The Glendale Police Department immediately began working with the family and Narineh’s hiking groups to distribute missing person flyers of her, including posting a missing person bulletin on our social media platforms.  On March 11^th, 2020, at around 3:00 p.m., Narineh’s vehicle was located parked at the “Buckhorn Day Use Area” along Angeles Crest Highway (6700 – Foot Elevation).  It should be noted that this area was heavily impacted by the recent snow storm.

Upon locating Narineh’s vehicle, search and rescue personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department were immediately deployed with a large contingency of sworn and volunteer personnel.  Their search efforts continued as approximately 12” of snow fell overnight; but due to the worsening weather conditions, the search was terminated around 2:00 a.m. this morning.  A few hours later, the search was able to resume with even more resources and is currently active.  Glendale Police Department investigators were on scene to process Narineh’s vehicle and have it towed back to the station for further processing.  At this time, there is no suspicion of foul play.  

***A large contingent of search and rescue teams are currently deployed throughout the area and are actively searching for Narineh.  While these official search efforts are underway, members of the public are highly discouraged from responding to the area and conducting independent search efforts***

 All media inquiries regarding this incident should be directed to the Glendale Police Department’s Public Information Office at 818-937-8888.

https://www.glendaleca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/7884/16