Missing Wisconsin man’s vehicle found in Grand Marais, search underway

A missing Wisconsin man’s vehicle was found on Sept. 24 in Grand Marais, parked at the Pine Mountain Lake trailhead access up the Gunflint Trail.

The missing man, identified as Wayne Storch, 74, is from New Richmond, Wisc., and has been missing since Sept. 18, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and the New Richmond Police Department.

Storch’s vehicle, located yesterday on Forest Service Rd 1310, near the Pine Mountain Lake trailhead, is a gray 2020 Ford Escape with Wisconsin license plates and has a U.S. Marine Corps sticker on the rear.

Wayne Storch, 74, from New Richmond, Wisc.

The Cook County Search and Rescue, the U.S. Forest Service, and other assisting agencies are actively searching for Storch in the vicinity of Pine Mountain Lake.

Cook County Sheriff’s Office & Search and Rescue staged near search area | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

Cook County Search and Rescue vehicle staged near search area | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

If you have seen Storch or have any information, please contact the Cook County Sheriff’s Office at 218-387-3030.

WTIP will provide updates on the search efforts as they are made available.

Kalli Hawkins September 25, 2025