In the summer of 2012, Garrett Beckwith and his 19-year-old daughter, Della, embarked on a climbing adventure to Mount Hooker in Wyoming’s Wind River Range. The pair shared a passion for hiking and climbing, and this trip promised to be another unforgettable experience. However, their journey into the wilderness would ultimately become a mystery that would haunt their loved ones for years to come.
Mount Hooker is a formidable mountain, rising nearly 12,500 feet above sea level. Its sheer north face demands days of trekking just to reach the base, and the mountain’s isolation, unpredictable weather, and unforgiving terrain leave little room for error. Garrett and Della were last seen beginning their ascent, but they never returned on schedule.
A massive search-and-rescue operation was launched, with helicopters, dogs, and ground crews scouring the mountain for any sign of the pair. Despite weeks of effort, not a single trace of them was found. The absence of evidence has fueled years of speculation, with some believing they may have fallen during their climb or been forced off course by a sudden storm.
The mystery surrounding Garrett and Della’s disappearance has left their loved ones with a deep sense of loss and unanswered questions. However, they are remembered not only for how they vanished but also for how they lived – bound by love, adventure, and the wilderness they cherished.
Recently, 11 years after their disappearance, a cliff camp belonging to Garrett and Della was discovered, shedding new light on their final days. The finding has brought a mix of emotions, from hope to heartache, as their loved ones continue to grapple with the loss of two lives cut short in the pursuit of adventure [1].
