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Today in History: Five Men Disappear After Chico Basketball Game

2/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 24, 1978, five young men from Yuba County, California, went missing after attending a basketball game at California State University, Chico. The group, known as the Yuba County Five, included Bill Sterling, Jack Huett, Ted Weiher, and Jack Madruga, whose bodies were later found. The fifth man, Gary Mathias, remains missing.

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Story summary

On February 24, 1978, five young men from Yuba County, California, went missing after attending a basketball game at California State University, Chico. The group, known as the Yuba County Five, included Bill Sterling, Jack Huett, Ted Weiher, and Jack Madruga, whose bodies were later found. The fifth man, Gary Mathias, remains missing.