WONDER VALLEY, California — A months-long search for a California mom who had vanished after leaving home for a “pandemic road trip” to Joshua Tree National Park, has ended in tragedy after her body was found.
The family of Erika Lloyd confirmed in a Facebook post on Thursday that human remains found by hikers in a desert field in Wonder Valley were those of the 37-year-old single mother. She was identified by her dental records.
“There is no easy way for me to tell you all this and there’s no easy way for any of us to receive it,” her brother, Colin Lloyd, wrote.
“My wish is that we can all lean in a little closer, hold each other up, and remind each other more often that we’re here for one another with open arms and endless love; it’s what she would have wanted; it’s the spirit of who she was.”
Lloyd was last seen alive on June 13 leaving her Walnut Creek home for a solo road trip. Family members had told KESQ-TV that she’d grown restless during the pandemic after losing her job and planned a trip to Joshua Tree National Park.
Loved ones last heard from her on June 16, the same day California Highway Patrol officers discovered her car near Twentynine Palms.
Her brother thanked law enforcement officers in addition to everyone else who has offered support and assisted in the search efforts.
“Erika adored everyone; she left a bright smile on everyone’s heart; she would remind you of who you truly were and how important and loved you were; she warmed your soul. Let us hold her spirit dearly, and allow it to work through us to serve others (what she would want us to do).”
The cause and manner of death remain under investigation.
