Missouri deputy attorney general found alive after six days missing in Wyoming wilderness
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Missouri Deputy Attorney General Shaun Mackelprang was found alive Wednesday after disappearing during a solo hiking trip in Wyoming’s Wind River Range.
Mackelprang, 55, began hiking Aug. 20 from the Green River Lakes Trailhead with plans to climb Gannett Peak, Wyoming’s highest point. He was reported missing after he failed to return, prompting a search involving ground crews, drones and a rescue helicopter.
Searchers found Mackelprang around 9:45 a.m. Wednesday near Scott Lake and flew him out of the backcountry by helicopter. Officials said he was weak but alert.
Mackelprang’s family said he had successfully reached the 13,804-foot summit before apparently becoming disoriented while descending.
An entry Mackelprang made in a registry at the summit helped searchers narrow their search area.
Mackelprang is an experienced hiker who has been working to climb the highest point in each state. Gannett Peak was reportedly his 45th.
The Missouri Attorney General’s Office thanked Wyoming authorities, search-and-rescue volunteers and others who helped locate Mackelprang.
