Tragic Discovery: Hiker Found Deceased in Bighorn National Forest After Month-Long Search
A hiker named Grant Gardner was discovered deceased by a climbing team in Bighorn National Forest after being missing for a month. The team noticed a backpack under a ledge while descending from a mountain peak and alerted the authorities. Grant Gardner, 38, had planned a hike to climb Cloud Peak, the highest peak in the forest. He last contacted his wife on July 29, informing her that he had reached the summit but was fatigued.
Despite an extensive search involving multiple agencies and resources, including dog trackers and drones, the operation was called off after 20 days due to weather conditions and resource constraints. The sheriff's office made the difficult decision in consultation with the family. However, a professional climbing team from North Carolina spotted the backpack a month later while descending the same peak where Mr. Gardner had been.
Mr. Gardner's body was recovered and transferred to the coroner's office for further investigation. The cause of death will be determined after a toxicology report is completed. Sheriff Blackburn expressed his belief that Mr. Gardner likely died in a tragic accident. While the outcome was not what was hoped for, he hopes it brings closure to the family.