Hiker, 28, sent mystery final message to family before deadly fall on 3,100-mile trek as family pay tribute

In what became his final detailed message, he said he planned to continue through the Tetons, Gros Ventre Wilderness, Wind River Range and Divide Basin.

This was Will’s second attempt to walk the Continental Divide Trail after a foot injury forced him to abandon a northbound hike in Colorado in 2024.

He returned two years later and was known within the hiking community by the trail names “Rova” and “Convict”.

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition said hikers had immediately rallied to join the search when he was reported missing.

Paying tribute, the organisation shared a message from his family which read: “Our beautiful Will – his heart and soul are forever in the mountains.