Wesley Barron, son of Jackson Mayor Mark Barron, died after falling while rock climbing by himself Tuesday, authorities said.

Teton County Search and Rescue found the body of Wes Barron, 26, in Curtis Canyon, east of the National Elk Refuge in Bridger-Teton National Forest, about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Barron left home about 4 p.m. Tuesday and sent a text message to a friend saying he was rock climbing, Teton County Sheriff Jim Whalen reported.

When Barron didn’t return home Tuesday night and didn’t show up to work Wednesday morning, friends worried and called his family, according to a sheriff’s office release.

His father drove around the area looking for him, Whalen said. Mark Barron spotted Wes’ blue, older-model Mercedes Benz at a trailhead on the road to the Curtis Canyon campground, Whalen said.

He searched along the path for a short time before someone reported Wes Barron missing to Teton County Search and Rescue just before 11 a.m.

Rescuers showed up at the site within several minutes and began a search began immediately.

They found Wes Barron’s body about a quarter-mile from the trailhead at the base of a cliff area within about 20 minutes of starting the search, the sheriff said.

The victim left ropes and equipment in his car but was wearing shoes designed for rock climbing, Whalen said.

Rescuers estimate Barron fell down a very steep but not sheer cliff about 100 feet, a significant height to climb without ropes or protection. Authorities believe he was alone.

Coroner Bob Campbell had not officially ruled on the cause of death Wednesday afternoon, but authorities believe he died from severe trauma, especially to the head.

Friends gathered at First Baptist Church, where Wes Barron was a member, Wednesday afternoon, church staff said.

There were no memorial plans scheduled as of Wednesday afternoon.