Grant Gardner, a 38-year-old hiker from Lakeville, Minnesota, has gone missing in Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains. Gardner was on a three-day solo hike to Cloud Peak, the Bighorn Range’s highest point at 13,166 feet.
Gardner successfully reached the summit on July 29 and texted his wife, Lauren, that the climb had been more difficult than expected and that he was exhausted. He hasn’t been heard from since.
The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office in Wyoming is in charge of the search and rescue operation. Gardner’s vehicle was discovered near the West Ten Sleep trailhead, where he started his hike.
Search efforts have been hampered by difficult terrain and inclement weather, with at least two rescuers experiencing medical problems during the mission. Crews, including K-9 teams, are actively searching for Gardner, and his family is hoping for his safe return.
When a body was discovered in Montana’s Bighorn River, speculation began that it belonged to Gardner. Authorities later clarified that the body belonged to Alan Shaw, an 82-year-old man who went missing following a boating accident. The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office has asked that anyone who has had contact with Gardner report to them.
Lauren Gardner, who is staying in Minnesota with her two children, has thanked the search teams for their assistance and tenacity. Despite the emotional toll of the ongoing search, she remains hopeful that her husband will return safely.
