Missouri Deputy Attorney General Found Alive After Six Days in Wyoming Mountains

A Missouri deputy attorney general who vanished while heading for Wyoming's highest peak has been located alive after spending six days in the rugged mountains, authorities confirmed Wednesday. Shaun Mackelprang was discovered near Scott Lake within the Wind River Range following days of intense ground and air searches led by the Sublette County Sheriff's Office.

Rescuers reached him just before 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday morning and immediately began preparing him for extraction via helicopter from the backcountry. His brother, Romel Mackelprang, told Cowboy State Daily that Shaun was dehydrated and disoriented when found.

Romel explained that his brother has been tackling the highest points in all 50 states, with Gannett Peak at an elevation of 13,804 feet next on his list. "This is number 45," Romel noted regarding the climb. He added that rescuers located a signed summit register, suggesting the trouble likely started during Shaun's descent rather than his ascent.

Romel admitted he could not say how much longer his brother might have survived in those conditions. "There's only so much you can handle," he said, expressing deep gratitude for the efforts made on behalf of his sibling.

The climb began Aug. 20, 2025, when Mackelprang set out from the Green River Lakes Trailhead with plans to summit Gannett Peak. Once reported missing and after his vehicle was spotted parked at the trailhead, crews from Tip Top Search and Rescue joined forces with the Sublette County Sheriff's Office. The search utilized a drone team and a rescue helicopter alongside volunteers on foot.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine L. Hanaway issued a statement celebrating the safe return of her deputy. "We are thrilled to hear that Deputy Attorney General Shaun Mackelprang has been located," she said. Her office expressed being beyond grateful for prayers and the steadfast work of the Sublette County Sheriff's Office, the drone team, Tip Top Search and Rescue volunteers, helicopter crews, and Wyoming State leaders.

The sheriff's office also thanked hikers who shared information, reviewed photographs, analyzed GPS data, and helped spread word about his disappearance. Authorities have not yet released details regarding what happened to Mackelprang during the six days he was missing in the wilderness.