UPDATE NOVEMBER 17

Deputies from the Sierra County Sheriff's Office have been investigating the disappearance of 78-year-old Gil Clark.

Clark has been missing since August, but now deputies say, in an online post, there is enough evidence to believe that Clark has died near his home due to a medical emergency and was dragged from the area by a bear or mountain lion.

Community members from the area told deputies that they've seen an increased amount of mountain lion activity.

After following the community's tips, clothing and personal items belonging to Clark were located.

After an extensive search, deputies made their decision based on their findings.

Police say over the past several months, they've been continuing to investigate Clark’s disappearance.

The search was conducted by the Sheriff's Office and Nevada County Search and Rescue, covering the four-mile stretch of Highway 49 between Downieville and Goodyears Bar, an area Clark was known to frequently walk, according to deputies.

Deputies also searched the area near his residence, including the wooded terrain behind his home.

Deputies say this case is remaining open, and anyone with information is urged to call the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 289-3700.

(The Sierra County Sheriff's Office contributed to this story.)

ORIGINAL STORY - AUGUST 14

Sierra County deputies need your help finding a man believed to be last seen in Downieville last week. 

Deputies say 78-year-old Gil Clark was officially reported missing on August 14th after he was last seen on August 5 or 6, when he was reportedly dropped off by a friend in Downieville. 

Authorities say there have been no confirmed sightings or contact since that time.

Deputies have contacted Clark’s family and multiple friends, none of whom have information on his current location.

Clark is white, 5'11" tall with gray hair.

If you have any information that can help authorities, call the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 289-3700.

Police are searching for 78-year-old Gil Clark.