GILLETTE, Wyo. — Authorities estimate that search-and-rescue efforts covered over 20 square miles of badlands terrain near Worland over the last three weeks in the search for resident Breanna Mitchell, who went missing there on July 22.
“Unfortunately, nothing of importance was discovered,” according to Washakie County Sheriff Austin T. Brookwell, who has provided social media updates throughout the investigation.
“We currently have no evidence to prove there was any ‘foul play’ regarding her disappearance,” Sheriff Brookwell said in the latest update. “Remember, we have to work on evidence, not on rumors.”
The investigation is continuing as law enforcement follow up on tips, review cellphone messages and contacts and wait on data from Facebook and Snapchat pursuant to search warrant requests, Sheriff Brookwell added.
Mitchell’s vehicle was found abandoned over 5 miles down the rugged two-track road that winds through the badlands near Worland.
A week later, divers searched a zero-visibility pond in the middle of the search area. The pond was drained over three days, but nothing was found.
Over 45 search-and-rescue personnel participated in the final search last Friday. Resources from five other counties, a private search company, and a helicopter were used. The FBI and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations have also assisted in the case, according to Brookwell’s social media log.
“I want to thank all the counties who assisted us,” Brookwell said. “It was truly impressive to make a phone call and have this amount of support show up. Wyoming is truly lucky to have these individuals volunteering their time to assist with lost and missing persons.”
