Second missing hiker’s remains found on Fort Sill grounds

The family of one of the missing hikers from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge has announced his remains were found on Fort Sill grounds.

The family of Keith Carlson, 30, Tuttle, who was reported missing May 21, received confirmation he’d been recovered, according to a statement from his sister, Jennifer Bost, who is organizing a GoFundMe fundraiser for the family. Dental records identified Carlson.

Carlson’s truck was found near Crater Lake on May 21 and refuge personnel returned on May 24 to search the truck before notifying the family. About 1,500 acres were searched around Crater Lake along with a sonar search of the lake with the help of Oklahoma Highway Patrol, according to a missing poster that’s been posted at various places on the refuge.

A multi-agency search with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Fort Sill Fire Department, Fort Sill Uncrewed Aerial System Team, Lawton Fire Department, Comanche County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oklahoma Search and Rescue Council was conducted. Search teams used sonar, drones, detection dogs, and hundreds of personnel hours from trained professionals searching Crater Lake and the surrounding areas.

Bost stated Carlson’s family hired a private drone company to continue the search. On July 27, one of the search partners held a search mission on Fort Sill grounds near where his truck was found and discovered a set of human remains. Bost stated she was notified and worked with Fort Sill investigators to provide information to assist in the investigation.

Carlson was one of two people who disappeared at the refuge this summer.

Eskil Mjaaseth, 23, Norman, was reported missing from the refuge on June 18. His remains were discovered by a hiker July 14 in Charon Gardens Wilderness Area near the Post/Oak Treasure Lake parking area.

A third person was discovered dead on July 6 at Quanah Parker Lake by a fisherman.

A spokesperson from the Comanche County Sheriff’s office confirmed the body found at Quanah Parker Lake was identified and the next of kin was notified. The person, who is from Houston, Texas, arrived at the refuge on July 4 and his body was found at Quanah Parker Lake two days later. The investigation is still open and the cause of death has not been determined.

The Constitution has reached out to the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner’s office for cause and manner of death of the two hikers.