Grant Gardner’s sister to run Atlanta Marathon in his honor, supporting Big Horn County S&R

When Grant Gardner, 38, of Minnesota went missing in the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area last summer, Big Horn County Search and Rescue was the first to respond. The organization, composed entirely of volunteers, put in an estimated 1,023 man hours searching Cloud Peak for Gardner, with additional help from volunteer pilots and assistance from Sheridan, Johnson, Washakie, Park and Teton counties and other organizations.

“Every member of the search team and the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office showed incredible kindness, dedication, and compassion during an unimaginably difficult time,” Gardner’s sister, Heather Widness, wrote on GoFundMe.

Though the 20-day search for Gardner was fruitless, when his remains were ultimately discovered by a professional climbing group, Search and Rescue again responded to the call to aid in recovery. In recognition of Big Horn County’s work, Widness is fundraising for the Search and Rescue crew as part of her Atlanta Marathon run. 

“The past few months have been filled with grief—both my own and the weight of how deeply Grant’s death has impacted so many people who loved him. Running has become one way I process that grief,” Widness shared in her campaign. Her brother had intended to run the marathon with her on March 1, and now she will run it in his honor. 

The Big Horn County Search and Rescue Foundation recently became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with intentions to support costs typically covered by their budget as county services across the board took a hit to their budgets in the past year due largely to property tax cuts. Widness reported her fundraiser will directly support Big Horn County Search and Rescue. 

“If you love nature, hiking, or have someone in your life like my brother Grant who finds peace on the trail, please consider donating to support this vital work. Your generosity helps ensure these teams can continue showing up for families like ours when it matters most,” she wrote. 

Widness’s fundraiser, available at https://gofund.me/61355a8b3, has a goal of $6,500 and has already reached over 80% as of press time.