The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a Gillette man missing for two weeks.
Derek Schaff, 43, was last seen June 12 at the Weston Hills recreational area, a popular four-wheeling and hunting area jointly owned by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service about 25 miles north of Gillette on Highway 59.
The sheriff’s office and partner agencies have deployed drones, K-9 teams, and search and rescue personnel across the rugged terrain, but Schaff has not been found, the sheriff’s office said Tuesday.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts in the days and hours leading up to his disappearance to contact their office.
“Even information that may seem insignificant could prove valuable to investigators,” the statement said, adding that it’s an active and ongoing investigation.
'Extremely Worried'
Little information has been released about the circumstances under which Schaff disappeared or why he may have gone to the recreation area in remote Campbell County.
"We are extremely worried about him and any information could be helpful," said Melissa Schaff, Derek's sister-in-law, adding that the family is working alongside law enforcement and WyoFind.
Stacy Koester, president and founder of the Gillette-based missing person nonprofit, WyoFind, also has been in frequent contact with the Schaffs and continues to work with them along with law enforcement.
"They are grateful for all the work the sheriff’s office has done and with their communication with them.,” Koester said.
Koester also met with the Sgt. Gary Sams, lead investigator on the case with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office.
Sams was on-site investigating and said he was unable to answer additional questions in response to Cowboy State Daily’s request for information. He said only that his office has received help from Natrona, Sheridan and Weston county search and rescue teams.
Koester and a small group of WyoFind volunteers have also been granted permission from Sams to search the area on foot and with drones in conjunction with their efforts, she said.
Intensified Search Efforts
Koester also encouraged anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office but said people can also report anonymous tips on the WyoFind website, which will be directly passed on to investigators.
“WyoFind recognizes that some individuals may hesitate to contact law enforcement directly due to personal circumstances, lifestyles, or activities,” Koester said.
In the meantime, Koester is planning upcoming search efforts with the support of the sheriff’s office and Schaff’s family.
“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment between local authorities, community members, and WyoFind volunteers to locate Derek and provide continued support to his loved ones,” Koester said.
Anyone with information can contact the Campbell County Sheriff's Office at 307-682-7271 or 307-687-6176. Tips can also be submitted anonymously on the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation’s website.
Jen Kocher can be reached at jen@cowboystatedaily.com.
