Man disappears from family reunion, found hours later

WORLAND — Maybe he just wanted to escape his relatives.

A man was found safe Sunday after disappearing from a family reunion earlier the same day, according to a Washakie County Sheriff’s Office press release.

It is not known why “Brady Smith,” 27, disappeared from the reunion.

According to the release, Smith disappeared from a family reunion Sunday afternoon at the Perry Kaufman Farm near Big Trails.

The release states that at 6:24 p.m. Sunday, Washakie County Sheriff’s Deputies and the Washakie County Search and Rescue (SAR) Squad responded to a report of a missing person on Dry Farm Road.

Smith told authorities he simply wanted to go for a hike, according to the release.

Smith did not have his cellphone on his person when he disappeared, according to the press release.

Authorities began searching for Smith shortly thereafter, according to the press release. At 9:45 p.m., SAR units found Smith walking along dry road. He appeared to be in good condition, but was transported to Washakie Medical Center by the sheriff’s office for a routine checkup for possible dehydration. Washakie County Sheriff Steve Rakness said Smith drank untreated creek water, so he was monitored for any adverse effects.

Rakness said Smith is in good condition. It is not known where Smith resides.

Smith was found eight miles from the Kaufman cabin.

The release says he did not tell anyone he decided to go for a hike.

“Two sheriff’s deputies, approximately four to six SAR members along with three SAR vehicles participated in the search,” according to the press release.