A young hiker, Will Standish, tragically lost his life while attempting the challenging 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail. His body was discovered in a remote area of Wyoming after he had been missing for nearly a week. Will had been updating his family on his progress using a Garmin satellite device, with the last communication indicating he was in the Tetons mountain range. Despite search efforts, his body was found two days after his bright orange backpack was spotted from a helicopter.
Will’s family expressed their deep sorrow over his passing, describing him as funny, smart, and kind. They thanked the search and rescue teams and shared heartfelt words of love and remembrance for Will. A friend, Katie Jackson, remembered Will as a joyful and adventurous spirit, deeply missed by all who knew him.
A fundraiser has been launched to help repatriate Will’s body to Australia. Authorities believe he fell from a steep ridgeline, leading to his tragic death. This was Will’s second attempt at completing the Continental Divide Trail, with his previous try halted by a foot injury. He had embarked on this journey in June, aiming to eventually settle in South America upon its completion.
