An Aussie hiker sent an eerie message before he was found dead in a remote mountainous area in the US.
Will Standish, 28, from Melbourne, suffered a fatal fall while attempting a thru-hike along the Continental Divide Trail, which traverses five US states from the Mexican border to Canada.
It was the avid adventurer’s second attempt at the gruelling long-distance route after a foot injury ended his trek early two years ago.
The trek is notorious for its extreme weather, extreme isolation, and difficult high-altitude terrain.
Mr Standish began the trek in June and was in regular contact with his family via a Garmin satellite device up until July 19, when he revealed his plans to travel through the Tetons, Gros Ventre Wilderness, the Wind River Range and Divide Basin.
Four days later, the family received a Garmin check-in without coordinates or a message, but also a video via Facebook Messenger that they believe placed him in the Tetons.
After no further contact, they reported him missing to authorities last Monday, sparking an extensive search across Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.
The family’s worst fears were confirmed two days later when a helicopter located Mr Standish’s body on Wigwams on the west slope of the Tetons in Teton County, Wyoming.
Melbourne man Will Standish died while attempting a thru-hike through the Continental Divide Trail in the US
Authorities believe that the avid adventurer, 28, suffered a fatal fall
A helicopter located Mr Standish’s body on Wigwams on the west slope of the Tetons in Teton County, Wyoming last Wednesday
‘Evidence suggests that he may have fallen from a steep, high-altitude ridgeline that separates Grand Teton National Park and the Jedediah Smith Wilderness,’ Teton County Search and Rescue wrote online.
‘Park officials determined that the Garmin tracking points on July 23 placed the hiker near the Wigwams inside Teton County, and transferred the case to TCSAR, which has jurisdiction for SAR operations outside of the national parks.
‘TCSAR assembled a helicopter short-haul team and flew to the hiker’s last presumed point. From the air, the team spotted a bright orange backpack and soon found the subject below the ridge south of North Wigwam Peak.’
Mr Standish’s passion for hiking took him around the world and was planning to live and work in South America once his most recent adventure had ended.
He has been described as funny, cheeky, adorable and ‘unapologetically himself’ in a heartbreaking tribute shared by his family on Sunday.
‘He felt deeply, loved genuinely and always, always made people feel seen,’ the family told the Age.
‘We want to thank the tireless efforts of the search and rescue teams who found him and the authorities who are caring for him until we can bring him home.
‘Finally, a note from us to our Will. We love you. We will carry you with us forever. Thank you for filling our lives with a love so deep, so full of colour and warmth.
His family described Will as funny, cheeky, adorable and ‘unapologetically himself’
A fundraiser has been set up to help Will’s family bring his body back to Australia
‘His heart and soul are forever in the mountains. Rest in eternal sunshine. Dance with the stars.’
The Continental Divide Trail Coalition members also expressed their grief.
‘The CDT community lost a bit of light this week,’ the group wrote.
‘Though he began his 2026 hike stronger than ever, Will was reported overdue on July 26.
‘Concerned hikers immediately rallied to spread the word and join the search, which was a bit of comfort to his worried family in Australia.
‘At CDTC, like so many others, we are deeply saddened by the news of Will’s passing.’
Hiking friends have set up a fundraiser to help the family bring Mr Standish’s body back to Australia.
‘His sudden passing has left his family to navigate a painful loss that no family is ever truly prepared for,’ it states.
Will was planning to live and work in South America once his most recent trek had ended
‘His family faces the immense challenge and financial burden of bringing him back home to Australia, including a lot of complex logistical and transportation costs before they can even begin planning his memorial services.
‘All funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward bringing Will back home to Australia and giving him the loving farewell he deserves alongside his family and loved ones.’
The fundraiser described Mr Standish as an adventurous spirit that brought laughter to every situation.
‘To be around him was to be infused with his unbridled joy for every aspect of life,’ it added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consulate assistance to the family.
‘We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,’ a spokesperson said.
