Two Hunters Vanished In The Black Hills — Seven Years Later, One Returned With A Warning

In late October 2023, a figure emerged from the depths of the Black Hills, a place known for its rugged beauty and dark secrets. Ethan Hail appeared at the entrance of the Ranger Station near Cheyenne Crossing, almost unrecognizable—barefoot, emaciated, with a wild beard cascading down to his chest, and draped in tattered remnants of hunting clothing. This was a man who had vanished seven years prior, presumed dead along with his best friend, Mark Kesler, in one of the most remote wilderness areas of South Dakota. But it wasn’t just his ragged appearance that sent shivers down the spines of those who encountered him; it was the chilling warning he brought with him: “Don’t go near the shafts. It’s still down there.”

The Disappearance

The story begins on a crisp October day in 2016, when Ethan, then 28, and Mark, 31, embarked on their annual hunting trip in the Black Hills National Forest. The weather was stable, the sky aglow with the golden hues of dawn, and the two friends were filled with anticipation as they parked their pickup truck at the Elk Creek trailhead. They were seasoned hunters, well-acquainted with the forest’s winding trails, and had planned this trip meticulously. Before stepping onto the trail, they paused for a moment in front of a ranger camera, capturing what would be the last known image of them together.

As the day wore on, their families expected the usual silence of the woods to be broken by the sound of their voices. However, by evening, worry began to creep in. The two men had not checked in, and by nightfall, the absence of any communication turned into frantic calls between families. When they arrived at the trailhead to find the truck still parked, a sense of dread settled over them. There were no signs of their return, no footprints leading back, and the forest was shrouded in an eerie silence.

The search and rescue teams were mobilized, employing K-9 units, drones, and helicopters to scour the area. Days turned into weeks, and despite extensive searches, no trace of Ethan or Mark was found. The investigation gradually shifted from a rescue operation to a missing persons case, with both men classified as presumed dead. Their families were left grappling with an unfathomable void, clinging to the hope that they might one day return.

The Return

Fast forward to June 2023, when a man stumbled onto the roadside near Cheyenne Crossing. His disheveled appearance and erratic behavior caught the attention of a diner owner, who quickly called for help. The man, upon being questioned, uttered a name that sent shockwaves through the community: “Ethan Hail.” The news spread like wildfire, igniting a mix of disbelief and hope among those who had mourned his loss for seven long years.

Ethan was transported to the hospital, where doctors and investigators alike were stunned by his condition. He was gaunt, flinching at bright lights and loud noises, exhibiting signs of severe trauma. As he began to regain his composure, the haunting memories of his captivity began to surface. His fragmented recollections painted a picture of horror—metal sounds echoing in darkness, the smell of machine oil, and the constant fear of an unseen captor.

The Investigation Reopens

Ethan’s return marked the reopening of a case that had grown cold. His initial statements about being held in a dark, underground chamber led investigators to suspect that something far more sinister had transpired than a mere accident. The details he provided were chillingly specific: mentions of “shafts” and “lower levels” that hinted at an abandoned mining site. The investigation shifted from a search for two missing hunters to a quest for justice against a potential abductor.

The forensic evidence collected from Ethan’s medical examinations revealed the extent of his ordeal. Doctors noted severe vitamin D deficiency, muscle atrophy, and scars consistent with prolonged restraint. It became clear that Ethan had not merely been lost in the wilderness; he had been held captive, subjected to unimaginable horrors. The psychological evaluations confirmed that he was suffering from severe PTSD, a condition that would haunt him long after his physical return.

The Dark Truth Unfolds

As investigators delved deeper into the case, they uncovered a name that would send chills down their spines: Caleb Branson. A former mine mechanic with a history of stalking hikers, Branson fit the profile of someone who could have orchestrated the abduction of Ethan and Mark. The evidence began to stack against him—DNA found on a glove in the cell where Ethan had been held, boot prints matching his size, and surveillance footage placing him near the scene on the day of the disappearance.

Branson’s home, situated in the dense forests of Roford, was searched, revealing maps and equipment associated with mining operations. The investigation team discovered that he had been maintaining an underground chamber in Hawthorne Hash3, a location that matched Ethan’s descriptions. The chilling realization dawned upon them: for seven years, Branson had lived undetected, operating in the shadows of the Black Hills.

The Trial

The trial of Caleb Branson began in September 2024, drawing national attention. The prosecution laid out a compelling case, reconstructing the timeline of events leading up to the abduction, captivity, and eventual death of Mark Kesler. Ethan testified, recounting the harrowing details of his experience, his voice trembling but resolute. The courtroom was captivated as he described the darkness, the fear, and the relentless torment he endured.

Branson’s defense attempted to cast doubt on Ethan’s memories, suggesting that the trauma had distorted his recollections. However, the overwhelming physical evidence, coupled with Ethan’s compelling testimony, painted a clear picture of guilt. The jury deliberated, and within hours, a verdict was reached: guilty on all counts.

The Aftermath

Caleb Branson was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus additional years for kidnapping and false imprisonment. The sentence brought a sense of closure to the families of both Ethan and Mark, but the scars of their ordeal would linger. Ethan, now a survivor of a nightmare few could fathom, faced the long road of recovery ahead. He would need to confront not only the memories of his captivity but also the loss of his best friend.

In the years that followed, Ethan became an advocate for awareness about the dangers of exploring remote areas and the importance of safety measures in outdoor activities. His message resonated with many, reminding them that while nature can be beautiful, it can also harbor dark secrets.

As the Black Hills stood silent, Ethan Hail’s story became a cautionary tale—a haunting reminder of the fragility of life and the shadows that can lurk just beneath the surface. The mountains, once a place of adventure and camaraderie, now held a deeper truth, forever marked by the events that transpired within their depths.

Conclusion

The tale of Ethan Hail and Mark Kesler serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance in the face of danger, the need for community awareness, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. It underscores the reality that even in the most beautiful of places, darkness can exist, waiting to ensnare the unsuspecting. As Ethan moved forward, he carried with him the memories of his friend and the lessons learned from their harrowing experience, determined to ensure that their story would not be forgotten.