Hiker Swept into Creek While Attempting ‘Dangerous Crossing.’ After 3 Months of Searching, His Body Has Been Found

The body of a Minnesota hiker who vanished more than three months ago after being swept into a Montana creek has been recovered, authorities confirmed.

Red Lodge Fire Rescue announced on Tuesday, Sept. 23, that the remains of Tim Sandford, 23, of Minnetonka, had been found.

Sandford went missing on June 8 after being caught in East Rosebud Creek near the outlet of Rimrock Lake.

“After more than three months of extensive search efforts, his body was located approximately 1,500 feet downstream from the outlet by search teams using an aerial drone,” Red Lodge Fire Rescue said. “U.S. Water Rescue Dive Team members conducted operations in the creek.”

Carbon County Sheriff Josh McQuillan confirmed the identity of the victim.

Authorities explained that Sandford was swept into the creek while attempting to cross Rimrock Lake along the “Beaten Path” trail connecting East Rosebud Lake and Cooke City. At the time, fast-moving water, waterfalls, challenging terrain, and large boulders made search and recovery efforts particularly difficult and hazardous.

It wasn’t until late summer, when water levels dropped, that searchers were able to locate Sandford’s body thanks to improved access and visibility.

“After more than three months of dedicated search operations and hundreds of hours of volunteer time, we are grateful to finally be able to bring Tim home to his family,” Chief Tom Kuntz of Red Lodge Fire Rescue said in a press statement.

The department noted that a bridge at the Rimrock Lake outlet was destroyed during a flood in 2022, forcing hikers to make “dangerous crossings in swift water.”

The area has been the site of prior incidents, including in 2021, when a Montana State University student was swept into the creek; their body was later recovered after water levels lowered.

“The Custer Gallatin National Forest, Beartooth Ranger District, anticipates completing construction of a replacement bridge in early October, improving safety for hikers on this popular trail,” Red Lodge Fire Rescue added.

The department’s news release highlighted the extensive resources involved in the search for Sandford, including ground teams, drone operators, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, the Montana Army National Guard, tri-State K9 search dogs, Central Copters, and the Billings, Mont.-based U.S. Water Rescue Dive Team.