Search continues for former White House chef missing near Taos

A search and rescue mission was launched Wednesday (June 17) after his vehicle was found Tuesday evening (June 16) at a trail head off State Road 150, west of Taos Ski Valley.

Approximately 30 people on foot and horseback joined the search during its second day.

Canine handlers ascended two trails with dogs in the early morning, when the animals might have a better chance of picking up a scent, according to Richard Goldstein, the search and rescue mission’s incident commander.

The search was complicated by muddy and slick conditions in some parts of the mountainous, thickly wooded forest.

The ground is still covered in snow at higher elevations, making for slow going, Goldstein said.

Mounted teams followed trails up onto the snowy ridge but did not find any tracks, according to the incident commander.

Search crews made their way up Yerba Canyon trail, which ascends 3,700 feet over four miles to a ridge connecting Lobo Peak and Perra Peak. Teams also ascended trails through Manzanita Canyon, Italianos Canyon and Gavilan Canyon, which also start on State Road 150 and run parallel to Yerba Canyon. Hikers often trek the trails in a loop.

But no one who has come down the network of trails reported seeing Scheib, according to Goldstein. One hiker recalled seeing a man fitting Scheib’s description on Manzanita trail but he was uncertain whether they passed each other Friday (June 12) or Saturday, the incident commander said.

A New Mexico State Police helicopter joined the search Wednesday but Goldstein said the flight crew had difficulty searching the densely wooded canyons from the sky.

With no trace of Scheib, search organizers suggested teams would focus Friday (June 19) on the Río Hondo, which runs perpendicular near the trailhead where his vehicle was found. A team searched along the north bank with a dog Thursday.

It is suspected Scheib may have tried fishing in the river, Goldstein said, though it is rushing as snowpack melts and afternoon rains pour onto the mountains.

“It’s very dangerous to get down to the river,” Goldstein said. “The water is running very fast.”

Scheib is not believed to have packed for camping or much more than a day of hiking.

New Mexico State Police Lt. Edwardo Martinez said Scheib did not tell anyone of his plans.

There is no indication of foul play, he said, and Scheib’s Subaru has not been processed for evidence.

Scheib served as White House chef from 1994 to 2005 under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. He has since authored a book about his experience at The White House and is a public speaker who also offers his services creating special events.

Friends said he had only moved to Taos from Florida during the last few months.

Map: Yerba Canyon

Yerba Canyon trail leads four miles from State Road 150 towards Lobo Peak. Click here to see a map.