Buffalo, Wyoming — A Minnesota hiker was discovered deceased in the Bighorn Mountains nearly a month after he last communicated with his wife, according to local authorities. Grant Gardner, 38, went missing on July 29 while attempting a solo hike in the Cloud Peak Wilderness.

Gardner’s body was found under a ledge by a professional climbing team that was on an expedition in the area. The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office reported that the climbers noticed what initially appeared to be a backpack and alerted the authorities. After rescuers confirmed the find, they located Gardner’s remains nearby.

Before his disappearance, Gardner had messaged his wife to inform her that he had reached the summit of Cloud Peak, which stands at 13,000 feet. He expressed that the climb was more challenging than anticipated and that he felt exhausted. This text was the last correspondence he had before he was reported missing.

In the days following his disappearance, the sheriff’s office, along with search and rescue teams, conducted extensive searches of the rugged wilderness, but initial efforts yielded no results. Volunteers also joined the search, hoping to locate any signs of Gardner.

After weeks of searching, the climbing team made the discovery on August 26 while descending from Cloud Peak. They were able to identify the site using their satellite phone to relay information to the sheriff’s office, choosing to wait for rescuers rather than investigate further on their own.

Authorities have confirmed that Gardner’s clothing camouflaged well with the surrounding terrain, making it difficult to spot him. The sheriff’s office has now transitioned the investigation to the Big Horn County Coroner’s Office to determine the cause of death. Officials emphasized that this does not suggest any foul play, attributing the tragedy to an unfortunate accident.

Gardner was a dedicated father of two children, aged 11 and 13, and his wife, Lauren, had expressed her disbelief regarding his sudden disappearance. “It’s all definitely surreal,” she said, trying to maintain strength for their children during the search efforts. She had described Grant as an experienced hiker who often trekked alone and was well-versed in outdoor survival skills.

The sheriff’s office expressed gratitude to the climbing team who played a crucial role in locating Gardner. Their timely intervention and decision to assist in the search provided vital closure for his family amidst their heartbreak.

As the community mourns the loss, Gardner’s passion for hiking and adventure continues to leave a lasting impact, sparking conversations about the importance of safety and communication while exploring the wilderness.