A Missouri deputy attorney general who went missing while attempting to climb Wyoming’s highest peak was found alive Wednesday after six days in the Wind River Range. Search crews located Shaun Mackelprang near Scott Lake and prepared him for evacuation by helicopter. He was reportedly dehydrated and disoriented, but authorities said he survived the ordeal.
Mackelprang had set out from the Green River Lakes Trailhead to climb Gannett Peak, which rises to 13,804 feet. His family said the expedition was part of his effort to reach the highest point in every U.S. state.
The rescue followed a coordinated ground and aerial search involving local authorities, volunteer rescuers, a drone team and a helicopter crew. Officials have not explained what happened during Mackelprang’s descent or how he spent the six days in the backcountry.
| 1) | The climber’s goal and route |
| 2) | Six days missing in the Wind River Range |
| 3) | Search teams locate Mackelprang |
| 4) | Family and officials respond |
| 5) | Questions remain about the disappearance |
The climber’s goal and route
Shaun Mackelprang, a Missouri deputy attorney general, began his Wyoming trip from the Green River Lakes Trailhead on Aug. 20, according to the reported account. His objective was Gannett Peak, the tallest mountain in Wyoming, located in the state’s Wind River Range and reaching 13,804 feet.
Mackelprang’s brother, Romel Mackelprang, said the climb was part of a personal project to reach the highest points in all 50 states. Gannett Peak was described as the 45th summit on that list. Searchers later found evidence that Mackelprang had signed the summit register, indicating he may have reached the peak before encountering difficulty on the way down.
Six days missing in the Wind River Range
Concern grew after Mackelprang failed to return from the remote mountain route and was reported missing. His vehicle was found at the trailhead, helping authorities identify the likely starting point of his trek and focus the search in the surrounding backcountry.
The Wind River Range is rugged and difficult to access, creating significant challenges for rescuers searching across steep terrain and expansive wilderness. Authorities did not disclose the precise circumstances that left Mackelprang separated from his planned route or explain how he remained alive during the six-day period.
Search teams locate Mackelprang
The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office and Tip Top Search and Rescue led the effort, with assistance from a sheriff’s drone team and a rescue helicopter. Crews searched from the ground and air before finding Mackelprang Wednesday morning near Scott Lake.
Rescuers reached him and prepared him for a helicopter evacuation at approximately 9:45 a.m. The search operation combined aerial observation, field teams and information from people familiar with the area, allowing rescuers to locate him in the remote terrain.
Family and officials respond
Romel Mackelprang said his brother was dehydrated and disoriented when rescuers found him. He also expressed gratitude for the people who participated in the operation and said he was uncertain how much longer his brother could have survived in the wilderness.
“There’s only so much you can handle. So we just are so grateful for everything that everyone has done on his behalf,” Romel Mackelprang said.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine L. Hanaway welcomed the rescue and thanked the sheriff’s office, its drone team, volunteer rescuers, helicopter personnel and Wyoming officials. Authorities also credited hikers and members of the public who shared information, reviewed photographs and GPS data, and helped publicize the search.
Questions remain about the disappearance
Although Mackelprang was found alive, officials have not said what went wrong during his expedition. The summit register suggests that he reached Gannett Peak, but the available information does not establish why he became unable to return safely to the trailhead.
Investigators and family members may learn more after Mackelprang receives medical care and can describe his route and experience. For now, the confirmed outcome is that a missing climber survived six days in the Wyoming wilderness and was located through a broad, coordinated search.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Shaun Mackelprang was found alive near Scott Lake after six days missing. |
| 2 | He had been attempting to climb 13,804-foot Gannett Peak, Wyoming’s highest mountain. |
| 3 | Rescuers described him as dehydrated and disoriented and arranged a helicopter evacuation. |
| 4 | Authorities have not disclosed what happened during his descent. |
Summary
The discovery of Shaun Mackelprang ended a six-day search in one of Wyoming’s most difficult mountain environments. His apparent completion of the summit attempt, followed by his disappearance during the return, leaves important details unresolved. Search agencies, volunteers, public tipsters and aerial crews all contributed to bringing him out alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was found in Wyoming?
Shaun Mackelprang, a Missouri deputy attorney general, was found alive after being reported missing during a mountain trip.
Where was Mackelprang found?
Rescuers located him near Scott Lake in Wyoming’s Wind River Range.
What mountain was he trying to climb?
He was attempting to reach Gannett Peak, Wyoming’s highest mountain at 13,804 feet.
What is known about his condition?
His brother said he was dehydrated and disoriented when rescuers reached him, and crews prepared him for helicopter evacuation.
