A Missouri deputy attorney general who disappeared after setting out for Wyoming’s highest peak was found alive Wednesday after six days in the rugged mountains, authorities said.
Shaun Mackelprang was found Wednesday morning near Scott Lake in Wyoming’s Wind River Range after search crews spent days looking for him on the ground and from the air, according to the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office.
Rescuers reached Mackelprang and prepared him to be flown out of the backcountry by helicopter around 9:45 a.m.
Mackelprang was dehydrated and disoriented when rescuers found him, his brother, Romel Mackelprang, told to reach Gannett Peak.
The search began after Mackelprang was reported missing, and his vehicle was found at the trailhead.
Crews from Tip Top Search and Rescue and the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office searched for Mackelprang with help from the sheriff’s drone team and a rescue helicopter.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine L. Hanaway also celebrated Mackelprang’s rescue.
"We are thrilled to hear that Deputy Attorney General Shaun Mackelprang has been located," Hanaway said in a statement.
"Our office is beyond grateful for everyone’s prayers and the steadfast work of the Sublette County Sheriff's Office and drone team, Tip Top Search and Rescue’s volunteers and helicopter crew, and Wyoming State leaders," Hanaway added.
The sheriff’s office also thanked hikers and others who shared information about Mackelprang, reviewed photographs and GPS data and helped spread word of his disappearance.
Authorities have not said what happened to Mackelprang during the six days he was missing.