Wyoming Authorities Say Gabby Petito News Coverage Helped Them Find Body in Another Case

The extensive news coverage surrounding the Gabby Petito search resulted in Wyoming authorities receiving tips that led them to a body believed to be that of a man at the center of another missing person case.

In a statement shared with Click2Houston on Tuesday, the family of 46-year-old Texas man Robert “Bob” Lowery said they had been notified by the Teton County Sheriff’s Office that a body had been found near Black Canyon Trail in Bridger-Teton National Forest that matched his description. 

“Bob has been a wonderful father, son, brother, and friend,” the family said. “Our family wants to thank the news media and others involved in the search for our privacy at this difficult time.” Lowery’s case had previously received regional attention, as seen in the video above, but authorities say the Petito media blitz ultimately spurred the revealing of new info.

A spokesperson for Teton County Search & Rescue explained in a press release that the latest search for Lowery had been conducted at the base of Teton Pass. Following a four-hour period of searching on foot, a team equipped with a search dog found a body “fitting Lowery’s description” on a steep and timbered slope. Lowery had not been seen since Aug. 20. As of Tuesday, the cause of death remained undetermined.

“The widespread news coverage of the Gabby Petito search helped bring light to Lowery’s case, and resulted in at least two members of the public calling local authorities this past weekend with new information about his possible last seen point,” a Search & Rescue rep said on Facebook. “The new information put Lowery on the Black Canyon Trail, wearing a black baseball cap with a gold P, and carrying a black duffle bag with the Nike logo.”

Per Click2Houston, the Teton County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Lowery went missing about 40 miles from where Petito’s body was found. The two cases are not believed to be connected.

Complex has reached out to reps for the Teton County Sheriff’s Office, Teton County Search & Rescue, and the Teton County Coroner’s Office for additional comment and will update this post accordingly.

As for the Petito case, the U.S. District Court of Wyoming recently announced the issuing of a federal arrest warrant for Brian Laundrie in connection with his “activities following the death of Gabrielle Petito.” The frenzy of media coverage around the case has also received criticism, namely with the argument that this was the latest example of “missing white girl syndrome.”