Wilderness Search Investigations

10/09/2026

Dear Outdoor Enthusiasts,

Wilderness Search Investigations (WSI) is looking for volunteers to assist with search efforts for missing outdoor enthusiasts. We welcome individuals who are passionate about the outdoors and want to make a meaningful difference in their community.

No prior search and rescue experience is necessary! WSI will provide training to help volunteers learn the skills needed to assist with ground searches. Previous hiking experience and familiarity with outdoor terrain are preferred, but a willingness to learn, a positive attitude, and a desire to help others are what matter most.

If you are interested in volunteering, we would love to hear from you! Please let us know a little about your outdoor experience and which days you are generally available to assist with search efforts.

To express your interest or learn more, please contact us at [email protected].

Your time and willingness to help could make a meaningful difference in bringing missing outdoor enthusiasts’ home. Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve and support others in the outdoor community.

Best regards!

09/24/2026

Jakhobi Search Update
Wilderness Search Investigations (WSI) is now leading the search efforts for Jakhobi. Following the conclusion of the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, WSI will be responsible for gathering, organizing, and maintaining all search-related information and data.

We will also be posting opportunities for volunteers who are interested in assisting with future search efforts. Please stay tuned for additional information and volunteer opportunities.

If you have previously participated in a search for Jakhobi, please send any information you have regarding your search efforts to [email protected]. This information is important and will help us maintain a comprehensive record of all search activity.

Interested in volunteering for future searches? Please complete the volunteer form and email the completed form to [email protected]. The form is a fillable PDF, so please use a computer to enter your information.

The volunteer form is available here:
https://wsiint.org/volunteer/

Because this remains an open case with the Sheriff’s Department, all information received by WSI will be handled confidentially. Information will only be released when authorized by the Sheriff’s Office and the Hale family.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed their time, information, and support. Your continued assistance is greatly appreciated as we work together to support the search for Jakhobi.

Please share this post so that anyone who has participated in previous searches or is interested in volunteering can receive this important update.

09/16/2026

I apologize for the short notice, but we are reaching out to ask for volunteers to assist with a search for Jakhobi Hale this Friday, September 18, outside of Darrington.

We are hoping to have as many searchers as possible available to assist. Every volunteer makes a difference, and your time, skills, and willingness to help could be incredibly valuable to Jakhobi’s family as we continue the search for their loved one.

If you are available to assist, please sign up using the link below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0549ABA92BA3FCCE9-65931785-search

The exact search location outside of Darrington will be provided to those who sign up, along with any additional information needed before heading into the field.

We sincerely appreciate everyone who is able to step forward and volunteer, especially on short notice. Your willingness to give your time and effort can make a meaningful difference to a family who is waiting for answers.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication. We look forward to seeing you in the field and working together to assist with this search.

Please email your cell phone number to [email protected] for any last-minute changes.

Thank you!

09/06/2026

Wilderness Search Investigations has recently taken on another missing-person case involving Jakhobi Hale, who went missing outside of Darrington, Washington, on May 16, 2026.

Jakhobi’s mother, Autumn, recently mentioned Wilderness Search Investigations during an interview with local news outlet Q13. If you haven’t seen the interview, you can watch it here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1280665671799733.

As we continue working to locate Jakhobi and bring answers to his family, community support is incredibly important.

There are several ways you can help:
• Volunteer for field searches: We are always looking for individuals willing to assist with field searching. Our searches are conducted off-trail, so volunteers should be comfortable navigating challenging and sometimes difficult terrain. All searches are organized and guided by a certified search manager, and volunteers operate in teams that remain together throughout the search.
• Make a donation: Search operations require equipment, transportation, supplies, and other resources. If you are unable to participate in the field, you can still make a meaningful difference through a one-time or monthly donation. https://wsiint.org/donations/donation-form/

Every volunteer, donation, share, and word of support helps us continue our mission of searching for those who are missing and providing their families with answers.

Please keep Jakhobi and his family in your thoughts, and if you are able, consider helping us in the search.

07/25/2026

🚨 What if the next missing person was someone you love? 🚨

A spouse. A child. A parent. A best friend.

When someone doesn't come home, every minute feels like an eternity. Families wait, hoping for good news, while search teams race against time.

Those search teams don't appear out of nowhere. They're made up of ordinary people who chose to step forward before the call ever came.

Right now, Wilderness Search Investigations (WSI) need more volunteers. Every person who joins our team means more trained searchers on the ground, more area covered, and a greater chance of bringing someone home.

WSI is not intended to replace Search & Rescue teams or law enforcement agencies.

The organization is designed to operate as a complementary and respectful resource focused on continued case review, investigative follow-up, and field-based reassessment where appropriate.

Join us for our upcoming Field Training Exercise (FTX) and experience what it's takes to respond to a real-world missing person search. This hands-on training will challenge your navigation, teamwork, problem-solving, and search skills in a realistic outdoor scenario.

Whether you're an experienced outdoors enthusiast or simply someone who wants to make a difference, your willingness to serve could change the outcome of someone's worst day.

✅ Train in a realistic search scenario
✅ Learn search techniques and field operations
✅ Work alongside dedicated trained volunteers
✅ Become part of a team that answers the call when others can’t

Somewhere, a family will be praying that enough trained volunteers show up.

Will you be one of them?
📅 August 28–30
📍 Basecamp location will be emailed to all registered volunteers.
📝 Register here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0549ABA92BA3FCCE9-64617463-field

If volunteering isn't possible for you right now, please share this post. The person who sees it because of you could become the volunteer who helps bring someone home. For more information or questions, please reach out to us at [email protected].

07/13/2026

Volunteer Board Opportunities with Wilderness Search Investigations
Wilderness Search Investigations (WSI) is currently seeking dedicated individuals to serve as volunteer members of our Board of Directors. If you, or someone you know, is interested in helping advance our mission, we encourage you to contact us.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Search and Rescue
• Outdoor Recreation Leadership
• Law Enforcement or Investigations
• Nonprofit Governance
• Finance or Accounting
• Legal or Risk Management
• Communications and Media
• Philanthropy and Fundraising

Other Volunteer Opportunities
If serving on the Board is not the right fit, there are many other meaningful ways to support WSI. Volunteers can assist with field operations by participating in searches for missing outdoor enthusiasts. For those who prefer to contribute remotely, opportunities are available to conduct research and gather information to support active and ongoing cases from the comfort of home.

Support Our Mission
If you would like to support WSI but are unable to volunteer, please consider making a financial contribution. Donations directly help us continue our mission of locating missing outdoor enthusiasts and providing assistance to their families.

You can donate through any of the following methods:
GoFundMe
Donate directly or create a fundraiser in support of WSI:
https://www.gofundme.com/charity/wilderness-search-investigations

WSI Website
Make a secure online donation:
https://wsiint.org/donations/donation-form/

To maximize the impact of your gift, we encourage donations by check, as 100% of your contribution goes directly toward our mission.

Please mail checks to:
Wilderness Search Investigations
6135 NE 204th St
Kenmore, WA 98028

Thank you for considering how you can support Wilderness Search Investigations. Whether through Board service, volunteering, or a financial contribution, your involvement helps us continue our mission of bringing answers and hope to families of missing outdoor enthusiasts.

Want to help Wilderness Search Investigations? Find out everything you need to know about your favorite charity and how you can help fundraise, donate, and support them.

06/24/2026

Join Wilderness Search Investigations in a weekend for Field Training Exercise (FTX) and Search for Ian Eckles.

Wilderness Search Investigations (WSI) is seeking dedicated volunteers to assist in the ongoing search efforts for Ian Eckles. Whether you are new to search operations and looking to gain valuable field experience, or you are an experienced searcher wanting to refresh and strengthen your skills, these Field Training Exercises (FTXs) provide a meaningful opportunity to make a difference while expanding your search capabilities.

Participants will receive hands-on field training, work alongside experienced search personnel, and contribute directly to an active case.

Field Training Exercise (FTX) Schedule
Friday
• Arrive at Base Camp beginning at 2:00 PM and into the evening
• Evening training in the following areas (as time permits): Field Safety, Radio Communications, Navigation (personal GPS required), Crime Scene Evidence & Awareness, K9 Support, and Search Techniques
Saturday
• Field Training Exercise practice while searching: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday
• Field Training Exercise practice while searching: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Return to Base Camp for lunch and a Search debrief / discussion
• Break camp and depart

Upcoming Search & Training Dates:

Note: Base Camp location will be provided to registered participants. Locations may vary between search weekends.

July 17–19
Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0549ABA92BA3FCCE9-64612052-field

August 14–16
Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0549ABA92BA3FCCE9-64617260-field

August 28–30
Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0549ABA92BA3FCCE9-64617463-field

September 11–13
Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0549ABA92BA3FCCE9-64617659-field

Make a Difference
Every volunteer brings valuable eyes, energy, and commitment to the search effort. By participating, you will not only gain practical search experience and training, but you will also become part of a team united by a common goal: helping bring answers to a family and community in need.

WSI looks forward to seeing you in the field for training, teamwork, and the camaraderie that comes from working together toward an important mission. And after a long day of searching, there may even be an opportunity for some great conversations around the campfire—when conditions and regulations permit.

We hope you'll join us. Your participation matters.

06/10/2026

Hello,

Wilderness Search Investigations (WSI) invites you to participate in a Field Training Exercise (FTX) focused on the ongoing search for Ian Eckles, a missing hunter, taking place June 26–28.

This exercise offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on search experience, sharpen field skills, and contribute to an active missing-person investigation alongside fellow dedicated searchers.

Schedule
Friday, June 26: Arrive at camp during the afternoon or evening for check-in, introductions, and mission briefing.

Saturday, June 27: Teams will deploy to assigned search areas early in the morning and conduct field operations throughout the day.

Sunday, June 28: Search operations resume early in the morning and continue until approximately noon. Teams will then return to camp for a debriefing and lunch before breaking camp and heading home.

What to Expect
Participants will experience realistic search operations in challenging wilderness conditions. The search area includes steep and rugged terrain, providing excellent training opportunities while requiring a good level of physical preparedness.

Whether you are looking to enhance your field skills or support the effort to locate Ian Eckles, we encourage you to join us for this important and rewarding weekend.

The campground requires a Discovery Pass. Please have enough food and water for the entire weekend. I will supply hydration powder in different flavors.

EXTRA recommended equipment besides the 10+ Essentials:
A. Eye protection: (Either clear, sunshade, or both)
B. Leather gloves: (Waterproof recommended)
C. Helmet: (Ultralight, highly ventilated climbing, or mountaineering helmet with side protection)
D. Hiking boots: Firm to protect ankles, waterproof, and with Vibram soles for traction
E. Tall Gaiters: Helps to protect from venomous and other creature encounters

We look forward to working alongside you in the field.

Please sign up at the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0549ABA92BA3FCCE9-64485754-field

The campground information will be sent to those that signup.

Please read the WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT below, and then click on the button to sign up. WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT THAT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS THIS WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND HOLD HARMLESS (the “Release.....

05/29/2026

Hello,

I wanted to clarify the difference between the two upcoming Field Training Exercises (FTXs), as there appears to be some confusion.

The first event, the Pre-FTX on June 6, is intended to provide basic field training and help volunteers understand how operations will be conducted in the field. This training is designed to prepare participants for the Primary-FTX taking place June 26–28.

Please note that the basic training provided during the Pre-FTX will not be repeated during the Primary-FTX. Attendance at the June 6 Pre-FTX is highly encouraged for anyone planning to assist during the June 26–28 operation, as it will help ensure volunteers are properly prepared for field activities.

Additional information and sign-up details for the Primary-FTX will be shared following the June 6 Pre-FTX.

If you have any questions, please reach out as soon as possible, as time is of the essence.
Thank you for helping support the Eckles family in the search for Ian. Ian deserves to come home.

05/22/2026

Ian Eckles is one of our recent active cases. We are currently conducting Field Training Exercises (FTX), providing team members with hands-on training while supporting active investigations and search operations.

As the number of missing outdoor enthusiast cases continues to rise each year, WSI is seeking dedicated volunteers to support our mission in a variety of roles, including:
• Board positions
• Ground search personnel, with opportunities to advance into Search Manager roles
• 4x4 Team members

If you or someone you know is interested in contributing, we encourage you to contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wsiint.org