Empty kayak and paddle found in lake in search for missing man, Grand Teton rangers say
Rescuers found a missing man’s empty kayak and paddle while searching for him in Grand Teton National Park, rangers said.
Rangers are trying to find Wesley Dopkins, a 43-year-old man from St. Paul, Minnesota, who was last seen paddling in a lake in the park on Saturday, June 15, the Wyoming park said on Instagram.
Dopkins and a friend were paddling Jackson Lake from Elk Island toward Waterfalls Canyon on the western shore when his friend lost sight of him around 2 p.m., park officials said in a news release posted to social media.
Dopkins’ friend tried to return to where they had departed from in Colter Bay, but high winds up to 25 mph made it impossible to return, officials said. Instead the friend landed at Leeks Marina and reported him missing.
Water temperatures were less than 45 degrees that day, officials said.
Rangers searched the lake by boat and helicopter and found his empty Oru folding kayak, paddle, and his dry bag floating off Moose Island on the lake around 8 p.m., rangers said in an update on social media.
He was wearing a long sleeve blue shirt, red ball cap with the NASA Kennedy Space Center logo, and black shorts, rangers said. He was not wearing a personal flotation device.
Anyone who may have seen Dopkins or who has information should contact the Grand Teton National Park tip line at 1-888-653-0009.
Several people commented saying the lake is especially cold and can be dangerous due to higher rains in the summer.
“The scariest paddle I’ve ever had was in Jackson Lake,” someone said on Instagram. “Boats just don’t care about wakes out there.”
“I’ve been in some serious danger on that lake,” another person said. “Comes out of nowhere sometimes. This is upsetting.”
Several people commented hoping he would be found safe “hunkered down somewhere.”
“The water must be super cold there at this time of year,” another person said. “Like here in great lakes, we lose folks to cold water shock and hypothermia. I know they are not cool, but please wear life jackets people. I hope they find him.”
In comments on the original Instagram post, someone confirmed that information and said they used to lead canoe trips out of Colter Bay.
“This time of year is challenging with water temps and weather,” they said. “PFDs are essential for activities on Jackson Lake. Hoping for the best outcome.”
This story was originally published June 18, 2024 at 3:30 PM with the headline "Empty kayak and paddle found in lake in search for missing man, Grand Teton rangers say."
