Authorities are searching for Yellowstone National Park employee Austin King, who has been missing for over a week after going alone to a mountain peak. He last contacted a family member on September 17, 2024, from the top of Eagle Peak. King, dropped off by boat on September 14, spoke with a backcountry ranger near Howell Creek the following Monday and had plans to climb Eagle Peak that same day, mentioning challenging weather conditions. Despite his intended boat pickup near Yellowstone Lake’s Southeast Arm on Friday, King failed to arrive, prompting a search and rescue operation.
King, a Minnesota native working as a concession employee for Yellowstone National Park, was reported overdue when he did not arrive for his planned boat pickup. The search and rescue efforts, which started on Saturday morning, include aerial reconnaissance and ground operations in the high mountain areas surrounding Eagle Peak. King’s camp was discovered in the upper Howell Creek area on Saturday evening, but as of now, he remains missing. Over 20 ground searchers, two helicopters, unmanned air systems, and a search dog team are involved in the search operation.
Described as 6 feet tall, weighing 150 pounds with tattoos and glasses, King was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt and gray pants and carrying a dark-colored backpack. The search operation has been ongoing, with authorities extending efforts to locate him. King’s disappearance has caused concern among his family, friends, and coworkers, as they anxiously await updates on his whereabouts. The challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions in the area have presented obstacles to the search efforts, but rescuers continue to comb the mountainous region in hopes of finding King safe and sound.
The disappearance of Austin King has raised questions about safety protocols for park employees and visitors in remote areas such as Eagle Peak, where challenging conditions can pose risks to individuals. The National Park Service has urged visitors to be prepared for changing weather and to have proper navigation tools when exploring the wilderness. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of following safety guidelines and keeping in communication with others while engaging in outdoor activities.
The search for Austin King has garnered attention from the public and sparked conversations about the responsibility of park employees and visitors in ensuring their safety while enjoying the natural beauty of national parks. As efforts to locate King intensify, the community comes together to support his family and the search and rescue teams working tirelessly to find him. The incident highlights the inherent risks associated with outdoor activities in rugged terrain and emphasizes the need for preparedness and caution when venturing into remote areas.
Despite the challenging conditions and rugged terrain of Eagle Peak, the determination to find Austin King remains unwavering as search and rescue operations continue. The involvement of multiple teams and resources underscores the priority placed on locating King and ensuring his safe return. As the search expands to cover more ground and explore new areas, hopes remain high for a positive outcome. The community’s support and collective efforts demonstrate the resilience and compassion shared in times of crisis, as everyone unites in the common goal of bringing King home safely.
