The wife of a Minnesota man missing in the Wyoming wilderness for more than a week is speaking publicly as search efforts continue.
Grant Gardner, 38, last contacted his wife, Lauren Gardner, on July 29 after starting a hike through the Misty Moon Lake area, according to a statement from the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said he had planned a roughly three-day trip, with the goal of summiting Cloud Peak before returning to his vehicle. Grant told his wife he reached the summit on July 29, but she has not heard from him since.
The sheriff’s office was notified on Aug. 1 that Grant was overdue and immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation. So far, there has been no sign of him.
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Lauren, who shares two children with Grant, ages 11 and 13, told Cowboy State Daily she remains hopeful. She described him as an experienced outdoorsman who has been hiking for more than a decade.
“He’s used to this stuff, and he’s very detail-oriented,” she said, adding that the past week has felt “surreal.” “I’m in shock, I think, and trying to stay strong for the kids. This has never happened in all the years he’s gone out. He knows what he’s doing and has the skills. I’m just hoping right now.”
Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn told Cowboy State Daily that search teams are still in “active search-and-rescue mode — not recovery.”
Lauren said she keeps her phone with her at all times, waiting for news. “I’m very grateful and thankful for all the help, everyone out there who has been to look for him and support our family,” she said.
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Grant’s vehicle was found parked at the West Ten Sleep trailhead, where his journey began. The hiking log confirmed he had entered the wilderness area as planned.
In a text to his wife before disappearing, authorities said Grant mentioned that the climb “was more taxing than he expected and he was tired.”
Anyone with information on Grant Gardner’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office at 307-568-2324 or use the Wyoming Missing Person Tip line on the Wyoming DCI website.
