GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — A body recovered in Jackson Lake on Sunday is believed to be that of Wesley Dopkins, a kayaker who went missing on the lake in June 2024, Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) announced Tuesday.
Dopkins, a 43-year-old male from Minnesota, was last seen on June 15, 2024, kayaking on Jackson Lake with a friend. They departed Colter Bay and were bound for Waterfalls Canyon, which is on the western shore of the lake. The two kayakers became separated when high wind gusts forced the other kayaker to land at Leeks Marina, where he reported the situation. GTNP noted that wind gusts were up to 25 mph that day, and water temperatures were below 45 degrees.
Nonprofit search and recovery organization Bruce’s Legacy located the body on Sunday, and successfully recovered the remains on Monday, GTNP said.
“Positive identification will be made by the Teton County Coroner’s Office,” GTNP’s announcement reads. “However, based on the characteristics of the remains and the location where they were recovered, they are believed to be those of Dopkins.”
GTNP notes that Dopkins was not wearing a life jacket while paddling a foldable Oru kayak. On the night of his disappearance, GTNP rangers found his kayak, paddle and dry bag floating off of Moose Island near Leeks Marina. The “extensive” interagency search utilized boats, ground teams, dog teams and the Teton County Search and Rescue helicopter, GTNP stated.
Bruce’s Legacy is known for its specialized sonar technology. It had participated in the search effort last year and returned last week to continue the mission. The body was located at a depth of about 420 feet.
“The National Park Service is deeply grateful for Bruce’s Legacy, whose dedication and unique capabilities made this highly technical mission possible,” the announcement reads. “The NPS reminds all visitors that wearing a properly fitted life jacket is the most important step you can take to stay safe on the water. Even experienced paddlers and swimmers are at risk without one.”
