Teton County Search and Rescue located a missing hiker on Wednesday, July 29th, after an extensive search in the remote backcountry between Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. The 28-year-old Australian man was found deceased near the Wigwams area on the west slope of the Tetons in Teton County, Wyoming.
According to Teton County Search and Rescue, evidence indicates that the hiker may have fallen from a steep, high altitude ridgeline separating Grand Teton National Park and the Jedediah Smith Wilderness. His body was recovered by the search team and transported to the Teton County Coroner’s Office following the operation.
The hiker had been attempting a thru hike of the Continental Divide Trail, a long distance route that stretches from Canada to Mexico. During his journey he regularly communicated with family members in Australia through a Garmin satellite communication device.
Family Reports Missing Continental Divide Trail Hiker
Officials from Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks led the initial investigation after the hiker’s family reported concerns about his lack of communication. On July 19th, the man sent an update from an area near Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park and shared plans for his upcoming route through the Tetons, Gros Ventre Wilderness, Wind River Range, and Divide Basin.
On July 23rd, the family received a Garmin check in without coordinates or a message. They also received a video through Facebook Messenger that they believed showed the hiker in the Teton region. When no additional communication followed, family members contacted park officials on July 27th.
Investigators determined that Garmin tracking data from July 23rd placed the hiker near the Wigwams area inside Teton County. Since the location was outside the boundaries of the national parks, the search effort was transferred to Teton County Search and Rescue.
Helicopter Search Leads to Recovery Operation
On the morning of July 29th, Teton County Search and Rescue assembled a helicopter short haul team to reach the hiker’s last known location. During the aerial search, rescuers spotted a bright orange backpack from the helicopter.
The team located the hiker below the ridge south of North Wigwam Peak. The recovery operation was completed, and the body was transported to TCSAR headquarters in Jackson before being transferred to the Teton County Coroner’s Office.
Teton County Search and Rescue Offers Condolences
Teton County Search and Rescue expressed condolences to the hiker’s family and friends following the recovery. The organization also thanked the federal agencies that assisted with the investigation and response effort.
The Continental Divide Trail draws hikers from around the world each year, but remote sections of the route require careful planning, reliable communication tools, and awareness of rapidly changing mountain conditions.
Our deepest condolences are with the friends, family, and loved ones of the deceased at this time.