Gabby Petito search leads to body of missing man

The media frenzy surrounding the Gabby Petito case is yet to deliver her killer. But it may have helped bring closure to another family desperately seeking answers as to the fate of their missing loved one.

Texas native Robert “Bob” Lowery vanished last month in Wyoming, 40 miles from where the young Long Island woman’s body was found. 

The 46-year-old father of two had traveled from his home in Houston to Jackson on August 19 for a solo hiking trip, according to KPRC-TV.

He was last seen the following day in Bridger-Teton National Forest, where Gabby Petito’s remains were discovered on September 19.

On Tuesday, a body matching Lowery’s description was found near the Black Canyon Trail at the base of Teton Pass, KPRC-TV reported.

Authorities believe the intense media scrutiny of the Gabby Petito case encouraged tipsters to volunteer new information about Lowery.

“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,” Teton County Search and Rescue said in a news release.

A search team deployed due to the new tips came across the Texas man’s remains at around 1 p.m.    

The cause of Lowery’s death is under investigation but the two cases are not thought to be connected.

“Bob has been a wonderful father, son, brother and friend,” Lowery’s family said in a statement to KPRC-TV. “Our family wants to thank the news media and others involved in the search for our privacy at this difficult time.”