Authorities in Wyoming believe they have recovered the remains of Wesley Dopkins, a Minnesota man who disappeared more than a year ago while kayaking in Grand Teton National Park.
Dopkins, 43, of St. Paul, vanished on June 15, 2024, after setting out from Elk Island toward Waterfalls Canyon on Jackson Lake. He was not wearing a life jacket. His kayak and gear were discovered floating near the shoreline, but despite an extensive search involving boats, helicopters, ground teams, and dogs, no trace of him was found at the time.
This past weekend, a nonprofit recovery team located a body about 420 feet below the lake’s surface and brought it to shore. While the Teton County Coroner’s Office has not issued official confirmation, park officials say evidence strongly points to the remains belonging to Dopkins.
Investigators note that Jackson Lake’s frigid waters pose serious risks, including hypothermia, which can quickly overwhelm even strong swimmers. The discovery offers closure to a case that had remained unresolved for more than a year.
