Missing fisherman. Please read UPDATED INFO July 19

Post by **WB Staff** » Sat Jul 17, 2021 7:43 pm

Has anyone seen our friend PJ? Last seen Thursday afternoon in Potter Valley. 5’11, 160 pounds, blonde dreads , multiple tattoos. His truck, wallet and phone are at home. Please message me or call Mindy at 707-357-1063. His family is very worried… Thank you and please share

gixxer464 · Post by **gixxer464** » Sun Jul 18, 2021 2:36 pm

Any word on Ron? Missing persons report? I hope he's okay. Circumstances seem unusual.

Post by **WB Staff** » Sun Jul 18, 2021 3:15 pm

Saw this posted...

Search and Rescue has begun their missing person protocol

JL · Post by JL » Sun Jul 18, 2021 5:31 pm

I met PJ at Lake Havasu a couple years ago. Nice guy! Prayers sent for his safe return.

Post by **WB Staff** » Sun Jul 18, 2021 7:27 pm

Update posted:

***Update 7/18 12:50*** Search and Rescue started today on Mid Mountain and have found nothing so far. People can help by continuing to scan the Valley and the Eel river. There was a possible sighting of a guy with blonde dreadlocks by the eel river, but hasn’t turned up anything yet. Thank you and Mindy is so grateful for everyone’s help

Post by **WB Staff** » Sun Jul 18, 2021 8:03 pm

From Mendocino Sheriff

Ronald Austin Bruggeman was reported missing to the Sheriff's Office on 07-17-2021 at 4:18 PM.

He was last seen on 07-15-2021 at 3:00 PM by his friends who were visiting his house located on a reported 120 acre parcel on Mid Mountain Road (approximately 8 miles to the east from East Road) in Potter Valley.

His disappearance may be related to a mental health crisis which was witnessed by friends prior to his disappearance.
He is believed to have went missing on the property with minimal or no clothing.

He is described as being a 35 year-old white male, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 180 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Attached is a recent photograph and his facial hair is now shorter than depicted in the photograph.
Anyone with information about his current whereabouts is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office by calling 707-463-4086.

The Sheriff's Office is continuing search efforts on the property while being assisted by volunteers from the Mendocino County Search & Rescue Team.

Smokie · Post by **Smokie** » Sun Jul 18, 2021 10:32 pm

I regret to inform you guys that my good friend and one hell of a fisherman passed on. It's with a heavy heart I have to inform you guys that PJ is no longer with us. I had been planning to come down and fish this upcoming wensday night moonlighter, the all night one ive been refering to as the reel deal moonlighter, and he told me back in feb if he wasnt fishing it with pearl, hed do that one with me, and I've been looking forward to it all summer. As of late I have been having lower unit pains and was kinda hoping pj would hit me up and take me aboard this week, as much as i initially really wanted to compete against my good bud who has taught me more in the last five trips than fifty guide trips could get me, and since im doing well beginning my tournament career I thought it would be almost more fun to fish against him than with him for the first time, but I'll never get to do that sadly... I will miss the crap out of you bud, I had big plans to fish every wild west next year with hopes to make it to the big show with ya, and I was out fishing last weekend and after I got off the water fishing my clubs event, i watched the apex and didnt see pj weigh em, knowing how much it meant to him to have made it to the apex, I've been worried ever since... I got home and hit him up, and unlike my good bud who always hits me back no matter what, I got no response for days... With this coming week in mind I was hoping for the best and praying id be getting to see his smiling face ripping it in a basscat with that smile only a guy who won a basscat can have rippin bass in one... but I instead learned I'll never fish with my good bud ever again, and pray for his family at this time. As times have been rough on me lately, they will certainly have a hard road of pain and healing ahead while missing such a great guy... I can only pray for the best for them and our other close friends at this time as he will be dearly missed by many. I hope your up there with Jerry catching all the 15lbers in the pond beyond since ten pounders were just kinda average to you... **** ill miss you bud, as will so, so many... may the four winds blow you safely home my brother from another...

gixxer464 · Post by **gixxer464** » Mon Jul 19, 2021 6:05 am

So sad to hear this tragic news. My deepest sympathies and condolences to his friends and family.R.I.P.

drew · Post by **drew** » Mon Jul 19, 2021 6:46 am

Very sad news. My condolences to his family and friends.

Post by **WB Staff** » Mon Jul 19, 2021 7:21 am

From WWBT

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the recent information brought to us regarding our friend, PJ Bruggeman Jr. This morning it was confirmed by the Mendocino Sheriffs Dectective Unit that our friend PJ was found deceased. Wild West Bass Trail would like to extend our condolences and prayers to PJ’s family and friends. PJ was a great individual, angler, and friend to many of our staff and customers. PJ was currently competing in the APEX PRO TOUR and has supported Wild West Bass Trail for several years. Any additional information that it is released regarding PJ Bruggeman Jr., will be released at a later date. Picture was from his last tournament at the APEX event on Camanche Lake. We will miss you PJ!

Post by **WB Staff** » Mon Jul 19, 2021 7:23 am

From Mendocino Sheriff

UPDATED POST 07-19-21 @ 7:40 AM:
The body of Ronald Austin Bruggeman was found on his property by a friend on 07-18-21 at approximately 7:31 PM.
The Sheriff's Office Detective Unit is now conducting a Coroner's Investigation to determined the cause and manner of Bruggeman's death.

Gary Dobyns · Post by **Gary Dobyns** » Mon Jul 19, 2021 8:48 am

Sad day hearing about Ron. I have great memories of the event Ron and Pearl won on Berryessa. Craig Gottwals and I was running camera boat and interviewing this great team on their way to the TOC win. We had a blast interacting and harassing (in fun) these guys on the last day. They had struggled in the morning but put on a clinic that afternoon and it was fun to watch. They were a great team on this day. Really sad to hear about Ron passing.