FORT HALL — The Fort Hall community and surrounding region are mourning the loss of 84-year-old William Woodland, a retired Bannock County 6th District Judge, who was found deceased on Tuesday, December 9, following an extensive two-day search effort involving Tribal, county, and state partners.

According to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Fish & Game Enforcement, Woodland was discovered around 9:15 a.m. by a tribal hunter traveling along Ghost Canyon Road within the Fort Hall Reservation. His family had reported him missing on the evening of December 7, prompting an immediate and wide-ranging search across multiple jurisdictions.

The response included Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Fish & Game Enforcement, the Fort Hall Police Department, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, and numerous assisting agencies. Search teams began combing large sections of the reservation and surrounding areas shortly after the missing person report was filed.

Authorities noted that Woodland had been driving a 2013 red Lexus GS, and cell phone pings helped narrow the areas where he might have traveled. These signals placed him near Pingree, Atomic City, and Lone Pine Road near the Gay Mine, guiding teams’ search routes and helping establish a clearer timeline.

Woodland was found separate from his vehicle. Crews later located the Lexus farther up Bear Canyon Road, where it appeared to have slid off the roadway and become stuck. Shoshone-Bannock Fish & Game wardens are coordinating with Bannock County officials to recover the vehicle safely.

The Bannock County Coroner’s Office has taken custody of Woodland’s remains. The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office is leading the ongoing investigation into his death, and officials say no further details are available at this time. Woodland’s family has been notified and is being supported by local agencies.

The search effort drew participation from a wide network of partners, including Bannock County Search & Rescue, Idaho State Police, Portneuf Air Rescue, the Pocatello Police Department, Fort Hall Police Department, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Fish & Game Enforcement, and the Sheriff’s Offices of Bingham, Twin Falls, Butte, Power, and Caribou Counties.

“This is not the outcome our teams hoped for,” said Thomas Wadsworth, Interim Director of Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Fish & Game Enforcement. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Woodland family during this difficult time.”

Fort Hall Business Council Chairwoman Donna Thompson added, “Our hearts are with the Woodland family today. We are deeply saddened by this loss, and we thank all who assisted in the search.”

Woodland is remembered not only for his distinguished years on the bench in Bannock County but also for his steady presence, thoughtful judgment, and service to the community he cared so deeply about. His passing leaves a profound sense of sorrow among colleagues, friends, and family.

Our deepest sympathies go to the Woodland family as they navigate this painful loss.