The search for a missing Lakeville, Minnesota man who went hiking in Wyoming has been suspended.
Big Horn County authorities say they are not going to continue the search and rescue operation for Grant Gardner who went for a three-day hike the Bighorn National Forest.
Gardner had contacted his wife on July 29 saying he had made it to the summit. That's the last time anyone heard from Gardner.
Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn says that they have to face the reality that the most optimistic survival odds have run out, and that recovery efforts will resume, as “time and evidence allow.”
"In consultation with family members, I have made the heartbreaking and difficult decision to suspend active search and rescue operations for Mr. Gardner," says the sheriff. "Our teams have exhausted all resources and personnel over the last 20 days. With weather conditions and other factors updated in our search models, we have to face the reality that the most optimistic survival odds have run out."
The 38-year old Gardner was an experienced hiker and outdoorsman, according to his wife Lauren. She also said he was "meticulous" in his preparation. The Gardner's have two children aged 13 and 11.
Blackburn further adds team members have said they feel like they have lost the battle by not finding Gardner, but it was not for a lack of effort on anyone's part.
"The Cloud Peak Wilderness is deceptively expansive, remote, and snow is starting to fall at higher elevations above 10,000 feet," Blackburn said on Aug. 11. "Very thorough searches of these areas have been performed. Mr. Gardner could plausibly be in several areas and routes, all of which have been extensively searched."
The sheriff goes on to say that they hope clues will surface that will help bring a final closure to this tragedy in due time.
"Many team members feel like they have lost a battle by not finding Grant at this time, however it was not for a lack of effort on anyone's part," Blackburn concluded. "We hope clues will surface that will help bring a final closure to this tragedy in due time."