Hiker’s Body Is Found On a Trail In Wyoming

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 2, 2026

Australian hiker William Standish was found dead after falling from a steep ridgeline along the Continental Divide Trail in Wyoming. The incident highlights the dangers of this challenging 3,100-mile route, despite Standish being an experienced and well-prepared trekker, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of his death.

A 28-year-old Australian hiker attempting a long-distance trek through the Rocky Mountains was found dead on a Wyoming trail on Wednesday, authorities said. William Standish was undertaking the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a roughly 3,100-mile route stretching from Canada to Mexico across Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.

The Teton County Sheriff’s Office identified Standish after search and rescue personnel discovered his body in a remote area between Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. According to Teton County Search and Rescue, evidence indicates that Standish fell from a steep ridgeline at high altitude, with the fall estimated to be between 250 and 300 feet.

Standish’s family had filed a missing persons report in Australia on Monday after four days passed without communication. This prompted local authorities to coordinate with park officials and initiate a search. Using tracking data obtained from a device linked to the hiker, search teams pinpointed his last known location. A helicopter team was dispatched to the coordinates, where a bright orange backpack was seen from the air, leading to the discovery of Standish’s body.

The Teton County Coroner’s Office has not yet determined the official cause of death. Sheriff Matt Carr characterized Standish as an experienced and well-prepared hiker who maintained a strong pace and was equipped with appropriate supplies for such an expedition. “He was doing everything right,” Carr said.

The Continental Divide Trail is considered one of the most demanding hiking routes in North America, with typical completion times ranging from five to seven months, according to the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. The trail passes through varied and challenging terrain, including early-season snow on higher elevation passes such as those in Glacier National Park. Planning guides advise start dates in mid-June to early July and recommend regular check-ins with contacts along the route.

While deviations from the main trail to explore alternate routes are common among thru-hikers, safety precautions including emergency beacons and communication devices are strongly encouraged. It remains unclear whether Standish attempted to call for help before his death. The investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the fall is ongoing.

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