SHAUN MACKELPRANG, a deputy attorney general in Missouri, has been found alive after a multi-day search in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, authorities said Wednesday.
Search began after vehicle left at trailhead
Mackelprang was reported missing after he departed the Green River Lakes Trailhead on Aug. 20 en route to Gannett Peak, the tallest mountain in Wyoming. His vehicle was discovered at the trailhead several days later, prompting search efforts.
The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office led the response and coordinated with multiple teams, including the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team and volunteers from Tip Top Search and Rescue. A helicopter from Tip Top was used to extract Mackelprang from the range.
Found and evacuated by helicopter
Authorities announced that Mackelprang was located around 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, approximately six days after he began his trek. He was removed from the Wind River Range by helicopter. Publicly available information did not include a detailed account of his medical condition, though photos released by officials showed Mackelprang walking and reuniting with loved ones at the scene.
"We are thrilled to hear that Deputy Attorney General Shaun Mackelprang has been located," a spokesperson for the Missouri Attorney General's Office said. "Our office is beyond grateful for everyone's prayers and the steadfast work of the Sublette Co. Sheriff's Office and drone team, Tip Top Search and Rescue's volunteers and helicopter crew, and Wyoming state officials."
Where the search took place
The Wind River Range is a rugged, roughly 110-mile mountain chain in Wyoming that includes Gannett Peak. The area is known for steep terrain, unpredictable weather and remote access, factors that can complicate search-and-rescue operations.
Officials did not release further specifics about Mackelprang’s route, the circumstances that led to his disappearance, or the exact timeline of search operations beyond the basic sequence of events already disclosed.
- Departed Green River Lakes Trailhead Aug. 20 to hike toward Gannett Peak
- Vehicle found at trailhead a few days after departure
- Search involved Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, drone team and Tip Top Search and Rescue
- Located and evacuated by helicopter about 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, six days after the trek began
Agency coordination and public reaction
The response illustrates multi-jurisdictional cooperation typically required in remote wilderness rescues. In addition to county search resources and volunteer rescuers, Wyoming state agencies assisted, and aerial assets expedited the extraction once Mackelprang was located.
The Missouri Attorney General's Office expressed public gratitude for the rescuers and for those who offered prayers and support for the deputy attorney general during the search. Photos from responders showed an emotional reunion, reinforcing the personal stakes for family and colleagues back in Missouri.
Practical reminders for hikers
While officials have not released an investigative report or safety recommendations tied specifically to Mackelprang’s case, wilderness rescues like this underscore common safety practices for anyone planning backcountry travel:
- File a trip plan or itinerary with family or local rangers before departing.
- Carry reliable navigation tools and communication devices; consider a satellite messenger in remote areas.
- Inform someone of your intended route and expected return date; check in if plans change.
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes and carry appropriate gear for overnight emergencies.
| Detail | Information from authorities |
|---|---|
| Departure date | Aug. 20 |
| Discovery time | About 9:45 a.m. Wednesday |
| Location | Wind River Range / Gannett Peak area |
| Agencies involved | Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, Drone Team, Tip Top Search and Rescue, Wyoming state officials |
State officials have not released further updates on Mackelprang’s condition. The Missouri Attorney General’s Office acknowledged the rescue publicly and thanked the responding agencies for their work.
As authorities continue to close out the search operation, the case will likely be reviewed to determine if any additional information should be shared with the public to help prevent similar incidents. For now, family, friends and colleagues of Mackelprang have cause for relief that the deputy attorney general was located and reunited with loved ones.
