Search for missing Irish hiker in Wyoming refocused following newly-reported sighting
Dublin man Cian McLaughlin, missing from Jackson, Wyoming. Picture: Teton County Sheriff
The search for Dublin man Cian McLaughlin who is missing in Wyoming in the US has been refocused following a newly-reported sighting on the day he went missing.
An extensive search operation has been ongoing in Grand Teton National Park for the 27-year-old who was reportedly last seen on Tuesday, June 8, on a hiking trail.
In recent days the search had been scaled back but new information has come to light from a resident of Jackson, Wyoming which has pointed authorities to a more specific location.
Grand Teton National Park received additional information about missing 27-year-old hiker Cian McLaughlin. The park continues to request any information the public may have that may aid in locating McLaughlin.
— Grand Teton National Park (@GrandTetonNPS) June 24, 2021
Info: https://t.co/3ApsleDPNS pic.twitter.com/FsYbBgTCPK
The person said they saw Cian on the south side of the Bradley/Taggart moraine and that he was heading south towards Taggart Lake on June 8.
The witness also said they exchanged a conversation with Cian, in which Mr McLaughlin told them that he was from Ireland and was currently living and working in Jackson.
The search teams deployed to Grand Teton National Park have now zoned in on the areas of Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake in the hopes of finding Cian.
Earlier this week, the national park services released a statement saying the search for the Irish man will "shift tactics to a continuous, but limited mode" after "days of extensive ground and aerial efforts.”
Search operations continued for 27-year-old Cian McLaughlin, missing for 10 days.
— Grand Teton National Park (@GrandTetonNPS) June 19, 2021
After days of extensive efforts, the search for McLaughlin will shift tactics to a continuous, but limited mode. New clues will be investigated as they come forward.
Info https://t.co/y14X2F5eiY pic.twitter.com/AlSxFVbMHr
Park staff continued to patrol and search the area for McLaughlin, as "new clues will be investigated as they come forward."
Over 140 people with tips and information have been spoken to by the investigation team about the case so far.
Up to 70 members of staff have carried out searches in the park alongside volunteers, involving multiple search and rescue dog teams, and over 45 helicopter searches have also been carried out.
Search operations have resumed today in Grand Teton National Park for 27-year-old Cian McLaughlin, who has been missing for ten days. If you have info regarding his whereabouts, contact NPS ISB:
— Grand Teton National Park (@GrandTetonNPS) June 18, 2021
Call or text 888-653-0009
Visit https://t.co/x6wU7tUmht
Email nps_isb@nps.gov pic.twitter.com/YyHsJjCYEb
A climbing guide reported seeing a solo hiker, matching Mr McLaughlin's description, on the Garnet Canyon Trail, a short distance above the Garnet Canyon/Surprise Lake junction.
He was reported missing on Saturday, June 12 after he did not attend work on June 10 in Jackson, Wyoming.
Later, Mr McLaughlin's car was discovered parked near the Lupine Meadows trailhead at the National Park.
Described as being six feet tall of slim build with dark brown, collar-length hair, facial hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing round sunglasses, a bucket hat, a white short sleeve t-shirt and shorts.
He also has a tattoo on his left forearm.
Anyone with information who may have seen Mr McLaughlin is asked to contact Teton County at 888-653-000, "Submit a Tip", or email nps_isb@nps.gov
