According to PEOPLE,

On Thursday, October 7, 2021, the cause of death has been revealed for the Houston father, who went missing during a hiking trip in Wyoming.

Robert “Bob” Lowery, 46, died by suicide from a gunshot to the head, Teton County coroner Dr. Brent Blue confirmed to PEOPLE. His body was found on the Black Canyon Trail on September (Sept.) 28, 2021.

Lowery’s case was resolved after national coverage on the disappearance of Gabby Petito brought attention to the missing father. Petito’s body was found in the same area on Sept. 19. She was 22.

Lowery left Texas on Aug. 19 for a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Click2Houston.com reported. His sister, Leigh, previously said that her brother took the trip after leaving his real estate job in Houston. He was seen on a trail in Bridger-Teton National Forest the next day but had not been heard from since.

Lowery’s sisters, Leigh and Anne, created a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Meredith and Luke’s education in the wake of their dad’s death. 

“The children will have the unconditional love and support our full extended family; however, in the wake their father’s unexpected death, we want to ensure that they are best set up for their future,” the GoFundMe page reads. “Regardless of monetary contribution, please know that we have felt the continued love, support & prayers from our community, family & friends throughout this tragedy. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to