Camper found deceased at Sulfur Pots Campground
Search and rescue find the body of 55-year-old Michael Fontenot after he failed to meet up at trail head
–On Tuesday at 9:55 a.m., San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to check the welfare of Michael Fontenot, a 50 year old male, at Sulphur Pots Campground in rural San Luis Obispo County. The reporting party dropped Fontenot off at the Rinconada trail head on Dec. 19 with plans to stay at the Sulphur Pots Campground.
Fontenot planned to meet back up with the reporting party on Dec. 26 at the Rinconada trail head. Fontenot failed to arrive at the trail head on Dec. 26. Sheriff’s deputies and sheriff’s search and rescue personnel, with the assistance of a California Highway Patrol helicopter, searched the area for Fontenot but were unable to locate him. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Sheriff’s Posse and Sheriff’s Aero Squadron were activated and began searching the area.
On Wednesday, search and rescue personnel located Fontenot deceased near the Sulphur Pots Campground. While foul play is not suspected, the manner and cause of death is under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office’s Coroner Unit.