Missing Hiker Recovered in East Rosebud Creek

Arrangements are being made to return Dylan Honnoll to his loved ones

By Denise Rivette

Dylan Honnoll (photo provided by Red Lodge Search and Rescue)

Red Lodge Fire Rescue and the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office announced today that the body of missing hiker Dylan Honnoll has been recovered from the Beartooth Mountains northwest of Red Lodge. Ground search crews located his body yesterday completely submerged under fast moving water. Early today, Search and Rescue team members met a specially trained crew from Two Bear Air Rescue out of Kalispell to coordinate the recovery. The skilled helicopter crew was able to hover over the rapids in the steep canyon and lower a rescuer to recover Dylan.

Red Lodge Fire Rescue, Carbon County Sheriff and Two Bear Air personnel discuss the recovery mission. (photo courtesy Red Lodge Fire Rescue)

Red Lodge Fire Rescue Search and Rescue teams along with the Carbon County Sheriff's office had been searching for Dylan since he fell into the East Rosebud River on Friday, July 12th. “Locating Dylan in the fast moving river was very challenging,” said Red Lodge Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Jon Trapp. “With the dedicated work of our Search and Rescue Team and help from many of our partners, we are honored to be able to help return him to his family.” A Carbon County Sheriff's Office coroner met the helicopter this morning at East Rosebud Creek Trailhead to begin the arrangements to return Honnoll to his family in Minnesota.

Dylan suffered fatal injuries after falling into the rapids below Rimrock Lake in the East Rosebud Creek drainage on Friday, July 12. He was attempting to cross the creek near the outlet of Rimrock Lake while hiking the well-known Beaten Path trail from East Rosebud Lake to Cooke City. He had just completed his sophomore year at Montana State University, was active in sports, and had spent a lifetime in the outdoors with his family and friends.

Two Bear Air Rescue helicopter flying into the East Rosebud Drainage to recover Dylan. (photo courtesy Red Lodge Fire Rescue)

The heartfelt conclusion to their press release stated, “Our thoughts go out to Dylan’s family, friends and fellow students during this difficult time. Red Lodge Fire Rescue and the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the many agencies and volunteers who assisted with this search, including the helicopter support provided by the Montana Army National Guard, Two Bear Air Rescue, and the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Department.”