Former Ronkonkoma resident missing in California

A desperate search is underway for a former Ronkonkoma resident who went missing about two weeks ago in California. Edward Cavanaugh, 45, was last seen July 17 driving his motorcycle on a trail in

News 12 Staff

Aug 1, 2015, 6:45 AM

Updated 3,195 days ago

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Former Ronkonkoma resident missing in California
A desperate search is underway for a former Ronkonkoma resident who went missing about two weeks ago in California.
Edward Cavanaugh, 45, was last seen July 17 driving his motorcycle on a trail in El Dorado National Forest.
Relatives say that it is crucial for authorities to find him because he is diabetic.
"He's been missing for two weeks and maybe he didn't have enough insulin," says his cousin, Denise Cavanaugh. "He's running low, so that's the biggest concern."
Cavanaugh grew up in Ronkonkoma and has been living in San Francisco for years. He teaches students survival skills, which is why his family says they are hopeful that he is OK.
Crews have been searching the forest where he vanished by foot, in vehicles and by helicopter. This week, a Reaper drone - built for warfare - was used to scan the rugged terrain. It marks the first time such technology is used to find a missing person.
Officials say the drone might be their best help in finding the missing educator. Detailed images from the drone are currently being examined.
Meanwhile, Cavanaugh's family is raising money to gather volunteers to assist in the search. As of Friday night, about $60,000 was donated by friends and family on Long Island and across the country.
Police say they do not suspect foul play in Cavanaugh's disappearance.


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