Missouri deputy AG found alive days after vanishing on Wyoming hike

Missouri's Deputy Attorney General Shaun Mackelprang was discovered alive in Wyoming's remote wilderness after going missing on a hiking trip six days prior, according to authorities. The 55-year-old had been hiking in the Wind River mountain range, the highest point in Wyoming, when he vanished on August 20. Sublette County Sheriff's Office worked with Tip Top Search and Rescue to find Mackelprang, utilizing ground crews, drones, and aircraft to search the area.

He was located near Scott Lake on August 26 and airlifted out of the rugged terrain. Mackelprang had begun his journey from Green River Lake trailhead, a challenging route leading to Gannett Peak, an elevation of nearly 14,000 feet. His vehicle was found at the trailhead after he went missing. The county and rescue teams expressed gratitude to the public, other hikers, and all those who aided in the search and rescue efforts.

Mackelprang's brother, Romel, had reached the summit before becoming dehydrated and disoriented during his descent, ultimately returning to Scott Lake instead of another location where he had planned to camp. The family was unaware of the circumstances surrounding his disappearance at the time, but they learned that bad weather had affected his brother's journey back down the mountain.