Search for Cian still on

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — If Cian McLaughlin is in Grand Teton National Park, searchers cannot find him.

The 27-year-old Dublin man now living in Jackson went missing Tuesday afternoon, over 172 hours ago, and has not been seen since. A massive search, now in its third day has thus far turned up nothing. Much longer and officials will be moving from rescue to recovery.

McLaughlin was last seen by a friend around 2:30pm on Tuesday, June 8, approximately a half mile from the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, hiking to an unknown destination. He was not wearing a backpack which means he is not likely camping during this time and does not have adequate clothing for overnight temperatures.

Rangers received additional tips today about potential sightings of McLaughlin on the switchbacks below the Garnet Canyon/Surprise Lake junction and in the vicinity of Delta Lake on Tuesday, June 8.

Possible bear attack has been brought up by many Jackson Hole Press readers. While it is certainly a possibility McLaughlin could have encountered either a black bear or a grizzly bear, it is by far the rarity. More often injuries and fatalities in the area of the park McLaughlin is lost in occur as a result of a fall or slip in snow fields at higher elevations especially during the spring.

McLaughlin did not share his itinerary or travel plans. Anyone who has been traveling in the Teton backcountry since Tuesday, June 8, who may have seen him is encouraged to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch tip line: 888-653-0009. Or submit a tip online.

Security cameras show that McLaughlin entered the park via the Moose entrance station on Tuesday, June 8 at 2:15pm. He was wearing a white short-sleeve shirt and a red watch while in his vehicle. In addition, it is believed he was wearing shorts, a bucket hat, and round sunglasses. McLaughlin also has a noticeable forearm tattoo on his left arm.

Today’s search included over 40 park staff conducting ground search efforts in high probability areas of the backcountry. Five search and rescue dog teams, members of Teton County Search and Rescue, and the Teton Interagency Helicopter have also been involved. In addition, the Civil Air Patrol flew a search this morning using Forward Looking Infrared, a thermographic camera that senses infrared radiation.

Search operations will continue tomorrow.