Shaun Mackelprang, a deputy attorney general for Missouri, was found alive on Wednesday after spending six days missing in Wyoming's Wind River Range. He was discovered near Scott Lake by search crews who had been looking for him both on the ground and from the air.
Rescuers reached Mackelprang around 9:45 a.m. and prepared him for transport out of the backcountry by helicopter. He was found to be dehydrated and disoriented, according to his brother, Romel Mackelprang.
Mackelprang had been attempting to climb Gannett Peak, Wyoming's tallest mountain at 13,804 feet, as part of a personal goal to visit the highest points in all 50 U.S. states. His brother indicated that Mackelprang had signed the summit register, suggesting that the incident occurred during his descent. This climb was to be the 45th state's highest peak he had summited.
He began his trek from the Green River Lakes Trailhead on August 20, 2025, with the intention of reaching Gannett Peak. His disappearance was reported, and his vehicle was found at the trailhead, prompting a search effort involving the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, Tip Top Search and Rescue, and a drone team.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine L. Hanaway released a statement expressing relief at Mackelprang's safe return. "Our office is beyond grateful for everyone’s prayers and the steadfast work of the Sublette County Sheriff's Office and drone team, Tip Top Search and Rescue’s volunteers and helicopter crew, and Wyoming State leaders," Hanaway said. The sheriff's office also acknowledged the assistance of hikers and others who provided information and aided in spreading word of his disappearance.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the specific circumstances that led to Mackelprang's extended absence in the wilderness.