Sad news in the search for Randy Udall, the brother of Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO).
Randy had been missing since last week after not returning from a solo hike in Wyoming’s Wind River Range. His body was found by searchers today. He was an experienced hiker who knew the area well. In a statement released through the senator’s office, the family said it appeared Randy died of natural causes.
Here’s the full statement:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Randy. Randy’s body was discovered today by the heroic search and rescue team that worked for days to locate him in a remote area of the Wind River Range of Wyoming. Our family is extremely grateful to Sublette County Sheriff Dave Lankford, his staff, Tip Top Search and Rescue, the United States Forest Service, Wyoming Air National Guard, and all others involved for their tireless efforts over the past several days. Although an autopsy is forthcoming, it appears he died of natural causes.
“Randy left this earth doing what he loved most: hiking in his most favorite mountain range in the world. He appeared to be on the obscure, off-trail route that he had proposed to his family. The entire Udall family is touched beyond words by the tremendous outpouring of support from people around the country. Randy’s passing is a reminder to all of us to live every day to its fullest, just as he did.
