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Grant Gardner, a 38-year-old hiker from Lakeville, Minnesota, has gone missing in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming. Gardner was on a solo three-day hiking trip, aiming to summit Cloud Peak, the tallest mountain in the Bighorn Range at 13,166 feet. On July 29, Gardner successfully reached the summit and texted his wife, Lauren, indicating that the climb was more challenging than expected and that he was tired. However, he has not been heard from since.
The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office in Wyoming is leading the search and rescue operation. Gardner's vehicle was found at the West Ten Sleep trailhead, where he began his hike. Search efforts have been complicated by difficult terrain and challenging weather conditions, with at least two rescuers experiencing medical issues during the operation. Crews, including K-9 teams, are actively searching for Gardner, and his family remains hopeful for his safe return.
Confusion arose when a body was found in the Bighorn River in Montana, leading to speculation that it was Gardner. However, authorities clarified that the body was not Gardner but Alan Shaw, an 82-year-old man who disappeared after a boating accident. The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office has requested that anyone who may have had contact with Gardner report to them.
Lauren Gardner, staying in Minnesota with their two children, has expressed gratitude for the support and tenacity of the search teams. She remains hopeful for her husband's safe return, despite the emotional toll of the ongoing search.