Searchers think something 'unusual' happened to missing outdoorsman
WHITNEY ROYSTER Star-Tribune staff writer | Posted: Saturday, November 17, 2007 12:00 am
The search for a Lander man continued Friday with more dog teams, helicopters and searchers on foot lending a hand.
John Gookin with Fremont County Search and Rescue said 60 people, three helicopters and six dogs were combing the area Friday looking for Clay Rubano, 46, who was reported missing Monday.
Rubano works for the National Outdoor Leadership School in Lander and was reported missing Monday after he failed to report to work. He was thought to be planning a hike above the falls on the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River in the Wind River Mountains on Saturday.
His car was found Monday afternoon in the Bruce's Camp parking lot about 10 miles outside Lander. The area is popular with hikers, but it is unclear exactly where Rubano might have gone.
Gookin said Rubano is a former National Park Service ranger, and it would not be unusual for him to get off the trail.
Gookin said searchers are thinking something "unusual" has happened.
"We checked out kind of the typical scenarios, and none of those happened," he said. Those include scenarios where Rubano would have become injured and unable to get out of the area on his own.
Gookin said foul play is possible.
"It's always a consideration," he said. "As you rule out the normal stuff, the weird stuff comes into play."
It's also possible Rubano was injured by an animal.
Gookin said the search is still considered a search and rescue operation, and it will be until rescuers have reason to believe it is more of a recovery than a search. That requires evidence, or if someone comes forward with information.
Gookin also said Rubano is such an experienced outdoorsman that it is likely his day pack had all the essential gear for an extended time in the woods.
Searchers are expected to continue looking for Rubano today.
Reporter Whitney Royster can be reached at (307) 734-0260 or at royster@tribcsp.com.