Park Rangers Begin Search for Missing 22-Year-Old in Yellowstone

Park rangers are currently conducting a search for a 22-year-old concession worker named Austin King, who has been missing in Yellowstone National Park for nearly a week. King was last heard from on Tuesday evening, around 7 p.m.

King was reported missing after he failed to arrive for his scheduled boat pickup on Friday afternoon. This was following a seven-day backcountry trip during which he aimed to summit Eagle Peak, according to a statement from the National Park Service.

The search operation started on Saturday morning. That evening, rescuers located King’s campsite and personal belongings in the upper Howell Creek area.

On Sunday, the search intensified with over 20 ground searchers participating, along with the support of two helicopters, drones, and a team trained in search and rescue dogs. They are focusing their efforts around Eagle Peak, situated in the remote southeast corner of Yellowstone.

Authorities have appealed to the public for help in locating King. He is described as standing 6 feet tall and weighing 160 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He also wears glasses.

The last confirmed contact King had with anyone was a call made from the summit of Eagle Peak, where he described experiencing challenging weather conditions, including fog, rain, sleet, hail, and strong winds.

According to park officials, King was dropped off at Terrace Point in Yellowstone on September 14. He interacted with a backcountry ranger at Howell Creek two days later, further indicating he had been in the area.

Park officials are urging anyone who may have seen King or has any information regarding his whereabouts since September 14 to reach out to the Yellowstone Interagency Communications.