A body believed to be that of Wesley Dopkins, a 43-year-old kayaker from St. Paul, Minnesota, has been recovered from Jackson Lake in western Wyoming, over a year after his disappearance.
What Happened:
Dopkins was last seen on June 15, 2024, paddling on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. His foldable kayak, paddle, and dry bag were found floating on the lake’s east side shortly after he vanished, but a thorough search by helicopter, boats, and ground teams was unsuccessful in locating him at that time.
This past Sunday, a nonprofit search and recovery organization found a body at a depth of approximately 420 feet, and recovery efforts continued until Monday. While official identification by the Teton County Coroner’s Office is still pending, authorities indicated that the characteristics of the remains and their location suggest that they belong to Dopkins.
What’s Next:
An official autopsy and identification process are underway to confirm the identity. The circumstances surrounding Dopkins’ death remain unclear, but hypothermia is considered a possible cause, given the cold temperatures of Wyoming’s waters. At the time of his disappearance, Dopkins was not wearing a life jacket as he paddled from Elk Island to Waterfalls Canyon along the lake’s west shore.
The tragic discovery brings some closure to his family and the search teams that have worked tirelessly over the past year. The Jackson Lake area, part of Grand Teton National Park, remains a stunning but perilous location, with cold temperatures posing serious risks to those out on the water.
This is a developing story. We will update this article as more information becomes available.
