An Australian hiker, Will Standish, 28, died after suffering a fatal fall while attempting to complete the Continental Divide Trail, a roughly 3,100-mile route that spans five U.S. states. Standish, from Melbourne, was found dead in Teton County, Wyoming, on the west slope of the Tetons.
Standish had been in regular contact with his family until July 19, when he informed them of his planned route through areas including the Tetons and the Wind River Range. Four days later, his family received a Garmin check-in without a message, followed by a video they believe placed him in the Tetons. After no further contact, his family reported him missing to authorities on the Monday preceding the discovery of his body.
Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) initiated an extensive search across Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. A helicopter team spotted an orange backpack, leading them to Standish's body south of North Wigwam Peak. TCSAR stated that evidence suggests he may have fallen from a steep, high-altitude ridgeline separating Grand Teton National Park and the Jedediah Smith Wilderness.
This was Standish's second attempt at the Continental Divide Trail; a foot injury had ended his previous trek two years prior. His family described him as "funny, cheeky, adorable and 'unapologetically himself.'"
A fundraiser has been established to assist his family with the costs associated with bringing his body back to Australia and planning memorial services. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family.