A search for Carbondale resident Randy Udall continued this morning in the mountains of Western Wyoming. Udall set out on a solo backpacking trip in late June in the Wind River range. He was due out of the wilderness on June 26th. When he didn't show up, family members called authorities two days later.
Helicopters and search teams on the ground are working with favorable weather today. Thirty searchers from multiple agencies including Tip Top Search and Rescue, Fremont County Search and Rescue, Teton County Search and Rescue and the Forest Service are actively searching the area on foot. Two helicopters are flying above a 225 square mile area. A third helicopter will join today's efforts.
Udall is well known in Western Colorado as an advocate for alternative energy and environmental protection. He's also the brother of U.S. Senator Mark Udall. This story will be updated as new information is released.
Search Crews Work with Good Weather on Sixth Day of Udall Search, Update (7/3/13):
Press release from the Sublette County Sheriff's Office released at 8 am, 7/3/13:
Day six of the search for missing hiker James “Randy” Udall is underway with favorable weather conditions early morning. Ground teams including Search and Rescue members on foot and on horseback, along with four dog teams continue an aggressive search of the area. Two helicopters are also actively engaged. No sightings or clues have developed during the course of the search.
Chance of afternoon thunderstorms increase today with the threat of lightning a consideration for searchers and flight crews. Creeks and drainages in the search area are running high, one helicopter dedicated much of yesterday to those waterways with no results. Back country rangers with the U.S. Forest Service combed timbered areas at lower elevations while SAR teams from Sublette, Teton and Fremont Counties worked above tree line.
Search Crews find Body of Randy Udall on Wednesday Afternoon, udapte (7/3/13 7pm)
Press Release from the Sublette County Sheriff's Office released at 7pm, 7/3/13:
At approximately 2:03 p.m. today an aerial search team spotted a male subject matching the description of missing hiker James “Randy” Udall. The subject was in open/rolling terrain laying on his side. The helicopter immediately landed and deployed the two search and rescue members on board. The subject showed no signs of life and was identified as Mr. Udall.
A search and rescue member, who is also a Wilderness First Responder, stayed with the victim while the helicopter returned to base to pick up a detective with the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office. The body was flown back to base and transported to Pinedale by the Sublette County Coroner. An autopsy will be performed in Loveland Colorado at the request of the Coroner and Mr. Udall’s immediate family. Foul play is not suspected.
The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office and all involved in the search extend our condolences to the family of Mr. Udall.