Overview

• A professional climbing team from North Carolina spotted a reflective glint near a ledge on the mountain’s northern route while descending Tuesday.
• Search-and-rescue teams reached the site at daylight and located Grant Gardner’s remains near a backpack, according to the sheriff.
• Sheriff Ken Blackburn described the recovery as difficult and dangerous and said Gardner is being brought home to his family.
• Gardner, 38, had texted from the 13,000-foot summit on July 29, with phone records indicating a 7 p.m. arrival after a taxing climb.
• The Big Horn County Coroner’s Office will determine the time, manner and cause of death, and officials say they believe he died in a tragic accident.