In August 2013, a devoted father and his 19-year-old daughter set out on an adventure that would take a tragic turn, leaving behind a mystery that would haunt their family and the climbing community for years.

Garrett Beckwith, an experienced climber and structural engineer, embarked on a journey to conquer Mount Hooker in Wyoming with his talented daughter, Dela.

They were well-equipped and prepared, or so it seemed.

As they began their ascent, everything appeared to be going according to plan, but they never returned.

For 11 long years, their disappearance became one of the region’s most baffling mysteries, until a fateful discovery on the mountain would finally shed light on their fate.

The Beckwiths were not just thrill-seekers; they were passionate climbers who had meticulously planned their expedition.

Garrett had previously climbed Mount Hooker, making this trip a special bonding experience with Dela before she returned to college.

Before departing, Garrett set a specific check-in time with his wife, Marian, ensuring that she would know if something had gone wrong.

But when the designated time came and went without a call, concern began to grow.

Marian tried to remain calm, thinking perhaps the satellite phone had died or they were simply out of range.

However, as days passed with no word, she made the heartbreaking decision to contact the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, initiating a search for her missing husband and daughter.

Deputy Miles Corbin was dispatched to the Big Sandy trailhead, where the Beckwiths had parked their truck.

What he found was troubling: the vehicle sat untouched, collecting dust and pine needles, as if its owners would return any moment.

Inside the glove compartment, he discovered two fully charged satellite phones.

This alarming find indicated that something had gone terribly wrong, as Garrett would never have left such vital equipment behind.

With this revelation, the missing person report escalated into a full-scale emergency search operation.

Helicopters, ground teams, and volunteers scoured the rugged terrain surrounding Mount Hooker for any sign of the Beckwiths.

For ten grueling days, search efforts continued, but the results were disheartening—no gear, no trails, and no signs of life.

Then, a brutal storm swept through the area, forcing search teams to retreat and leaving the Beckwiths’ fate shrouded in uncertainty.

Years passed, and the mystery of the Beckwiths faded into silence.

Marian kept her daughter’s room untouched, preserving the memories of their last moments together.

Garrett’s climbing gear remained neatly organized in his workshop, untouched by time.

In 2016, a backpacker discovered a climbing nut in a remote creek, sparking hope, but it ultimately led to another dead end.

Then, in 2020, dark rumors began to circulate online, suggesting that Garrett’s disappearance was not an accident but rather an escape from financial troubles.

These baseless theories devastated Marian, who sought the truth about her family’s fate.

Despite investigations revealing no signs of fraud or desperation, the rumors lingered, casting a shadow over Garrett’s legacy.

Finally, in 2024, a breakthrough occurred—not through law enforcement, but thanks to two young climbers, Khloe Vance and Ben Carter, who were exploring a new route on Mount Hooker.

Three days into their climb, they stumbled upon a rusted bolt and a hanging camp suspended thousands of feet above the ground.

What they found next would change everything.

Inside the camp, they discovered a human skull, sending shockwaves through both the climbing community and the Beckwith family.

After contacting authorities, a specialized recovery team was dispatched to the site, where they uncovered skeletal remains and climbing gear from the early 2010s.

Dental records confirmed that the remains belonged to Garrett Beckwith, but there was still no sign of Dela.

Questions mounted: Where was she? Had she survived?

As Marian clung to hope, she dared to ask, “What if she made it off that mountain?”

Among the recovered items was Garrett’s field journal, which contained chilling entries detailing their final days on the mountain.

The last entry revealed that Dela had left to seek help, stating, “If this is the last thing I write, tell Maryanne we tried.”

This revelation reignited the search for Dela, focusing on the descent route that Garrett had documented.

Just two days into the renewed search, a ranger found a rusted titanium bracelet engraved with the names Garrett and Dela, leading search teams closer to the truth.

Eventually, the search led to another body, hidden beneath a fallen granite slab.

The skeletal remains were identified as Dela’s, along with her journal, which chronicled her desperate struggle for survival after parting from her father.

Her final entries revealed her determination and fear as she navigated the treacherous terrain alone.

The public reaction to the discoveries was overwhelming.

People across the globe mourned the loss of a brave young woman who refused to surrender, even after witnessing her father’s tragic fate.

In the aftermath of the Beckwith case, Mount Hooker became a symbol of both tragedy and resilience.

A plaque was erected near the trailhead in memory of Garrett and Dela, honoring their spirit as climbers and explorers.

Their journals were published, serving as cautionary tales for future adventurers, emphasizing the importance of preparation and respect for nature.

A nonprofit organization, the Ledge Project, was founded in Dela’s name, providing mentorship and gear to girls entering outdoor sports, with Marian serving on its board.

She found peace in knowing that her family’s story would inspire others to embrace the outdoors safely and responsibly.

As we reflect on the Beckwiths’ journey, we are reminded of the unforgiving nature of the mountains and the enduring strength of family bonds.

What would you have done in Dela’s place?

Could you have descended that mountain?

Share your thoughts in the comments below, and if you find stories of perseverance and adventure compelling, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more captivating tales.