A top Missouri law enforcement official has been found alive after disappearing for nearly a week during a solo trek through one of Wyoming’s most rugged mountain ranges.
Missouri Deputy Attorney General Shaun Mackelprang, 55, was discovered Wednesday morning near Scott Lake in the Wind River Range, ending a tense six-day search that involved ground crews, drones and a rescue helicopter.
The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office said Mackelprang was located at about 9:45 a.m. following an extensive search operation.
“Mackelprang was located this morning in the vicinity of Scott Lake following an extensive search effort utilizing ground search teams, the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team, and Tip Top Search and Rescue’s helicopter,” authorities said.
Rescuers airlifted Mackelprang from the wilderness before he was reunited with his family in an emotional scene near an ambulance.
The mystery began Aug. 20, when Mackelprang set out alone from the Green River Lakes Trailhead with an ambitious goal: climbing Gannett Peak, the tallest mountain in Wyoming.
The 13,804-foot peak is notoriously difficult to reach, requiring hikers to travel deep into remote backcountry before making the final ascent.
Mackelprang reportedly reached the summit two days after beginning his hike.
Then something went wrong.
His brother, Romel Mackelprang, told Cowboy State Daily that the deputy attorney general apparently became disoriented while descending the mountain as severe weather moved through the region.
Thunderstorms and powerful winds battered parts of the Wind River Range during the trip.
When rescuers finally reached Mackelprang, he was dehydrated but alive.
His disappearance sparked growing concern after his rental vehicle was discovered still parked at the trailhead and relatives were unable to determine where he had gone.
Authorities publicly announced the search Tuesday as crews raced against time and asked hikers and backcountry visitors to provide any information that could help narrow down his location.
Officials later thanked members of the public who reviewed photographs, GPS information and missing-person alerts as the search expanded.
“We also sincerely thank the public and backcountry users who shared information, reviewed photographs and GPS data, shared the missing-person information, and helped get the word out,” the sheriff’s office said.
Mackelprang is no stranger to difficult climbs.
His brother said he has been attempting to reach the highest point in every U.S. state — and Gannett Peak marked his 45th.
“This is number 45,” Romel said.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine L. Hanaway celebrated the dramatic rescue after learning that her deputy had survived.
“We are thrilled to hear that Deputy Attorney General Shaun Mackelprang has been located,” Hanaway wrote on social media.
She also thanked rescuers, volunteers and Wyoming officials who helped bring him home.
“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,” she wrote.
Mackelprang has worked in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office since May 2021.
His disappearance briefly put an unusual national spotlight on Missouri’s Republican-led attorney general’s office, but the political questions surrounding his position quickly took a back seat as rescuers focused on a far more urgent mission: finding him alive.
Six days after he vanished into the Wyoming wilderness, they did.
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