Search for missing Wisconsin man on Gunflint Trail yields no results, family holds onto hope

Despite two weeks of searching near the Gunflint Trail, efforts to locate 74-year-old Wayne Storch of New Richmond, Wisc., have not yielded results.

Cook County Search and Rescue, along with Storch’s family and community volunteers, have concentrated their efforts around the Pine Mountain Lake trailhead, about 12 miles up the Gunflint Trail, where his vehicle was discovered.

Wayne’s daughter, Ashley Storch, said there hasn’t been a “single breadcrumb” found that would give the family any indication of where Wayne is. He has been missing since Sept. 18.

“It sucks, especially since there’s just nothing to go off of at all,” Ashley said.

Ashley and her partner, Joey Biener, have been involved in the search efforts since his vehicle was reported parked at the Pine Mountain Lake trailhead on Sept. 24. They, along with community members and search and rescue officials, have spent days scouring the dense, rugged terrain.

Search efforts have included the use of K-9 and cadaver dogs. Crews have also expanded their search to nearby Pickerel Lake and surrounding high points in hopes of uncovering even the slightest clue about Wayne’s whereabouts.

But there remains no sign of him.

Earlier this week, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office suspended the search efforts given the limited personnel and minimal search success.

“We plan on resuming the search with drones and foot searching tactics when the leaves fall and give us a better chance to see,” said Sheriff Pat Eliasen.

Given that the search hasn’t produced any clues near the Pine Mountain Lake or Pickerel Lake area, Ashley said, maybe there is a possibility that he walked a different direction, perhaps up or down the Gunflint Trail to another location.

The family is requesting that anyone who was traveling on the Gunflint Trail on Sept. 18 or Sept. 19, and saw Wayne walking along the Gunflint Trail, contact the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

Wayne is six feet tall and was wearing shorts and a dark blue or black colored shirt on the day he went missing.

“Even small details could lead to a new last known position,” Ashley said. “Anything we can use to update the last known position.“

Ashley and Joey said they are trying their best to stay hopeful that he will be found. 

While they were in Cook County, the two slept in their car at Cutface Creek Wayside rest and in the Grand Marais Rec Park and then spent their day trekking through the woods searching for Wayne. “It’s been an emotional rollercoaster,” Ashley said.

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Ashley and Joey left Cook County and returned home to care for her children and family. Ashley said they will be back “as much as possible” to continue searching.

“I do miss my dad,” Ashley said.

The family has offered a $5,000 reward for anyone who helps bring Wayne home.

Wayne Storch | Contributed by Ashley Storch

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

Kalli Hawkins October 4, 2025