Final Satellite Check-In, Then Complete Silence: Australian Hiker Found De-ad in Remote US Mountain Wilderness
An Australian hiker has been found dead on a remote trail in the United States after disappearing while attempting one of the country’s most challenging long-distance walks.
The 28-year-old’s body was found near an area known as the Wigwams on the western slope of the Tetons in Teton County, Wyoming, about 8.20am on Wednesday local time (0.20am Thursday AEST).
Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) said evidence suggested he may have fallen from a steep, high-altitude ridgeline separating Grand Teton National Park and the Jedediah Smith Wilderness.
The hiker had been missing for nearly a week after his family last heard from him on July 23.
Officials from Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks said he had been attempting a thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail, which stretches from Canada to Mexico.
Throughout the journey, he had regularly updated his family in Australia using a Garmin satellite device.
On July 19, while near Old Faithful, he told his family he planned to travel through the Tetons, Gros Ventre Wilderness, the Wind River Range and Divide Basin.
However, on July 23, the family received only a Garmin check-in with no coordinates or message, along with a video sent via Facebook Messenger that they believe placed him in the Tetons.
After hearing nothing further, the family contacted park officials on July 27.
Two days later, a search and rescue team flew to the hiker’s last presumed point.
“From the air, the team spotted a bright orange backpack and soon found the subject below the ridge south of North Wigwam Peak,” TCSAR said.
His body was recovered and taken to TCSAR headquarters in Jackson before being transferred to the Teton County Coroner’s Office.
“TCSAR sends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, and wishes to express its gratitude to the partnering federal agencies who assisted in the investigation,” the agency said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance to the man’s family.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” the spokesperson said.
“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) spans 4988km from Mexico to Canada and typically takes five to seven months to complete.
It is widely regarded as one of North America’s most challenging long-distance hiking trails, passing through some of the continent’s most remote and rugged landscapes.
