Stateline, NV…On Thursday January 10, 2013 at about 9:00 a.m. the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a member of the Hoffman family and advised that Corey had telephoned his father and advised them he was OK and had spent the night at the Horizon Hotel/Casino.

Deputies contacted Corey at the Stagecoach lodge where he had proceeded to, and according to him he was unaware of the search for him.

After a lengthy interview with Corey and his brother who had reported him missing, we are unable to determine exactly what transpired.

Investigators believe that Corey, who had spent the night with an acquaintance at the Horizon Hotel/Casino, was unaware that his brother believed him to be missing.

Corey reports he and his brother became separated at a bar in the Gondola village. The brother believes they became separated on the mountain, but the details are conflicting, due to the consumption of alcohol.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all outdoor winter enthusiasts to have a plan, stick to the plan, stay with companions, communicate with your companions, maintain possession of your cell phone, and refrain, or strictly limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

The search for Hoffman involved 75 personnel from several jurisdictions and volunteer organizations, two helicopters, and is estimated to cost $40,000. More importantly in needlessly risked the safety of search and rescue personnel who conducted this search in bad weather and hazardous terrain.