Body Recovered in Wyoming Lake Believed to Be Missing Minnesota Kayaker
JACKSON, Wyo. — A body recovered from Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park is believed to be that of a Minnesota kayaker who vanished more than a year ago.
Missing Since June 2024
Wesley Dopkins, 43, of St. Paul, was last seen on June 15, 2024, paddling from Elk Island toward Waterfalls Canyon. His foldable kayak, paddle, and dry bag were later found floating on the east side of the lake, but an extensive search involving helicopters, boats, ground teams, and dogs turned up no trace of him.
Recovery at 420 Feet
Over the weekend, a nonprofit search and recovery organization located human remains in the lake. On Monday, the team recovered the body from a depth of about 420 feet (130 meters).
While official identification is pending from the Teton County Coroner’s Office, park officials said the location and “characteristics of the remains” strongly suggest they belong to Dopkins.
Hazards in Jackson Lake
Authorities noted Dopkins was not wearing a life jacket at the time of his disappearance. The cause of his death remains unclear, though hypothermia is a well-known risk in the cold waters of Wyoming’s lakes and rivers.
Jackson Lake, a large reservoir on the Snake River at the base of the Teton Range, has been the site of previous drownings and rescues due to its frigid conditions.
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