$1:
He left wearing running shoes, with no tent, sleeping bag, map or compass and little food. He was supposed to complete the hike by Aug. 15 but failed to show up.
Moron. Those mountains are rough back there.
But, it's been warm and dry. He should be able to go 5 days with little food. So if he's just lost, there's still a chance for him. If he fell off a cliff or met an unfriendly bear, maybe he's gone. But that friend of his is no friend at all.
I blame Disney for this - people think the backcountry is a playground.