Teen who went missing after going up to Gold Run for school project found dead
SACRAMENTO – The 16-year-old boy who went missing at a rest stop in Placer County this week has been found dead, authorities said Thursday evening.
Dante de la Torre went up to the Gold Run rest stop area for a school project around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday but never returned.
Shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday, the Placer County Sheriff's Office said De La Torre's body was located in a remote wooded area near the rest stop.
There is no indication of foul play, but De La Torre's body will be examined by a coroner to determine the cause of death.
Multiple resources were deployed to the area to try and find the teen since he was reported missing.
De La Torre had water bottles, a small shovel, and snow boots when he went missing, the sheriff's office said.
The sheriff's office asked that civilian search parties avoid the area to not impede the search.
Late Thursday evening, Colfax High School, which is where de la Torre attended as a junior, issued a statement following the news of the teen's body being found.
"Colfax High School, along with the entire Placer Union High School District, is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Dante de la Torre as reported by the Placer County Sheriff's Office. Events and details leading to his passing are unknown at this time as the Sheriff's Office continues to investigate.
Such tragedies, especially when they involve young people, are very difficult to process. Chaplains and additional District Counseling staff will be on the Colfax High School campus to provide support to our students and staff as they deal with this devastating news.
Please join us in keeping Dante's family, friends and the Colfax community in your thoughts during this difficult time. "