Missing Persons Cases: Recent News (mid-August 2025)

By: Shane Lambert
Original time of writing: August 15th, 2025

Recent News in Missing Persons Cases

Grant Gardner: Ongoing Search in Wyoming’s Wilderness

In Wyoming’s Bighorn National Forest, the search for 38-year-old Grant Gardner, a seasoned hiker from Lakeville, Minnesota, continues more than two weeks after he vanished on July 29th, 2025. The case has been covered by several mainstream publishers, including KTVQ (Aug 13th, 2025).

Gardner embarked on a solo hike, one that was originally planned to be multiday. He aimed to go to the Misty Moon Lake area and to summit Cloud Peak, the range’s highest peak at 13,000 feet. He texted his wife, Lauren, on July 29th, confirming he had reached the summit but noted the climb was more taxing than anticipated. That was the last anyone heard from him.

The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office launched a search on August 1st after Gardner failed to return as planned. His vehicle was found at the West Ten Sleep trailhead, and his entry in the hiking log confirmed his planned route. Sheriff Ken Blackburn described the Cloud Peak Wilderness as “deceptively expansive” and “unforgiving,” with boulder fields, crevasses, and high-altitude snow complicating efforts. The phrase "deceptively expansive" could describe an area that looks manageable when surveyed but ends up being a much larger challenge than at first anticipated.

Missing hikers, not to be confused with missing hitchhikers, are commonly covered at this blog. One significant risk factor is hiking alone. But in Gardner’s case, the comment regarding the difficulty of the hike is significant, I think. The effects of fatigue are pervasive and can contribute to a broad array of challenges.

Alec Luhn: A Journalist Found Alive in Norway

In a rare positive outcome, American journalist Alec Luhn was found alive after going missing during a backpacking trip in Norway. Details of his disappearance remain limited, but his safe recovery has brought relief to colleagues and loved ones. CNN is one news agency that has covered his case.

While specifics of Luhn’s ordeal—such as how he became lost or survived—are not widely available, his case serves as a reminder that not all missing persons stories end in tragedy. The factors contributing to his rescue, whether preparation, luck, or swift action by authorities, offer hope and a contrast to the uncertainty surrounding other cases.

Katie Hong: A Teen’s Safe Return in California

In Fremont, California, 16-year-old Katie Hong’s disappearance sparked widespread concern after she went missing following an online encounter. Hong vanished in late July 2025, prompting a two-week search by her family and local law enforcement. Fears of exploitation or foul play loomed large, given the risks associated with online interactions for young people. Fortunately, Hong was found safe on August 12th, though authorities have released few details to protect her privacy.

Her safe return highlights the importance of community vigilance and coordinated police work. The case also underscores the growing dangers of online platforms, where predators can exploit vulnerabilities. Hong’s family endured weeks of anguish, a common thread in missing persons cases, but their relief at her recovery reflects the hope that drives such searches. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for parents and teens navigating the digital landscape.

Giovanni Pelletier: A Tragic End in Florida

Tragically, not all cases end with reunions. Giovanni Pelletier, an 18-year-old from Massachusetts, went missing during a family vacation in Florida in late July 2025. According to posts on X, Pelletier was last seen in the early hours of August 1st after leaving Englewood with cousins.

A distressing “Help” text sent at 1:30 a.m., followed by the discovery of his phone and backpack near Interstate 75, intensified the search. Efforts initially focused on Englewood but later shifted to Manatee County. On August 9th, a body was found in a retention pond and confirmed to be Pelletier’s on August 10th. An autopsy is pending to determine the cause of death.

Pelletier’s death has left his family and community devastated. His case illustrates the rapid escalation possible in missing persons incidents and the challenges of coordinating searches across jurisdictions. The “Help” text suggests he was in distress, but the circumstances remain unclear, leaving loved ones grappling with unanswered questions. This tragic outcome underscores the urgency of swift action in such cases.