Search Efforts for Missing Hiker Grant Gardner Intensify

Significant resources are currently being utilized in the search for Grant Gardner, a Minnesota man who has been missing for over two weeks while hiking in Wyoming. This was announced in a post from the Bighorn County Sheriff’s Office on their Facebook page.

According to Sheriff Ken Blackburn, “Since our last update, substantial manpower and resources have been deployed for Grant Gardner’s search.” He emphasized that the search efforts are “very active,” noting a variety of technologies being employed, such as drones equipped with infrared capabilities, helicopters, and planes designed for search operations.

Gardner was last in contact with his family after reaching the summit of Cloud Peak on July 29th. His wife, Lauren, indicated that he has been an experienced hiker for over a decade, expressing hopes of staying strong for their children during this distressing situation.

The latest update on Facebook described the search area, stating that the Cloud Peak wilderness is “vast and remote,” with snow beginning to fall at higher elevations. This complicates the ongoing search efforts.

On August 1, the Bighorn County Sheriff’s Office initiated a search and rescue operation after receiving reports of overhikers in the area. Gardner had planned a roughly three-day trek through the Misty Moon Lake region before attempting Cloud Peak. In his last message, sent from the summit, he communicated that the hike was more challenging and exhausting than he had anticipated.

The search continues, with the support of helicopters aiding in the efforts. Gardner’s family is understandably concerned, and a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $34,000 to assist them during this challenging time.