Above: Gatti, circa 1974
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: July 13, 1974 from Newport Beach, California Classification: Lost/Injured Missing Date Of Birth: September 19, 1952 Age: 21 years old Height and Weight: 5'2 - 5'4, 120 - 130 pounds Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian male. Brown/red hair, blue eyes. Gatti has a mole on his chest near his navel. His nickname is Nick. Clothing/Jewelry Description: A white Yamaha jacket, a white t-shirt, cut-off corduroy pants, and tan/yellow work boots. Medical Conditions: Gatti may have been depressed at the time of his his 1974 disappearance.
Details of Disappearance
Gatti was last seen in Newport Beach, California on July 13, 1974. Family members drove him to the San Juan Hot Springs area off Ortega Highway and left him there at 7:00 p.m. Gatti, an avid hiker who enjoys living in the wilderness, planned on an extended camping trip in the Cleveland National Forest. At the time of his disappearance, he had a sleeping bag and a .22 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver. He was reportedly in a depressed mood and was overly concerned with the environment.Gatti was only expected to be gone a couple of weeks. His family reported him missing after several months had passed without contact. His case remains unsolved.
Investigating Agency
Source Information
Updated 2 times since October 12, 2004.
Last updated August 5, 2012; alternate height and weight added, distinguishing characteristics and details of disappearance updated.
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Orange County Sheriff's Department
714-647-7000
California Attorney General's Office
Orange County Sheriff's Department
NamUs