Authorities are currently looking for Yellowstone National Park employee Austin King, who has been missing for over a week after venturing alone onto a mountain peak. The 22-year-old was last heard from on September 17, 2024, when he called a family member from the top of Eagle Peak. King had been dropped off by boat on September 14 and was in contact with a backcountry ranger near Howell Creek the following Monday. He was planning to stay at site 6D8 for the night and intended to climb Eagle Peak, reporting fog, rain, sleet, hail, and windy conditions to his family during a call.
Originally from Minnesota, King was working as a concession employee for Yellowstone National Park. He was reported overdue to the Interagency Communications Center after he failed to show up for his boat pickup near Yellowstone Lake’s Southeast Arm on Friday. Following this report, search and rescue efforts commenced on Saturday, involving helicopters, unmanned air systems, and a team of more than 20 ground searchers, as well as a search dog team. King’s camp was discovered by rescuers on Saturday evening in the upper Howell Creek area, leading to a concentrated search effort in the high mountain regions of Eagle Peak.
As the search for King continues, more than 20 ground searchers, two helicopters, unmanned air systems, and a search dog team are actively involved in the operation. Described as 6 feet tall and weighing 150 pounds, King has tattoos and wears glasses. During his last sighting, he was wearing a black sweatshirt and gray pants, carrying a “dark-colored” backpack. The National Park Service (NPS) is leading the search effort to locate the missing employee, further emphasizing the urgency and importance of finding him as soon as possible.
The circumstances surrounding King’s disappearance remain unclear, with details indicating that he was last seen in challenging weather conditions while attempting to climb Eagle Peak. The search and rescue teams are focusing on the high mountain areas where he was last known to be, utilizing aerial reconnaissance and ground search operations to cover as much ground as possible. Finding King is a top priority for the authorities involved in the search effort, as his safety and well-being are of paramount importance in the mission to locate him and ensure his safe return.
The family, friends, and colleagues of Austin King are anxiously awaiting news of his whereabouts, hoping for a positive outcome in the ongoing search efforts. With search teams actively scouring the mountainous terrain in Yellowstone National Park, there is a glimmer of hope that King will be found soon and reunited with his loved ones. The resilience and dedication of the search and rescue teams, as well as the support from the community, highlight the importance of coming together in times of crisis to aid those in need and bring missing individuals like King back to safety.
As the search for Austin King continues, the Yellowstone National Park community remains united in their efforts to find him and bring him back home. The collaboration between authorities, search and rescue teams, and volunteers reflects the spirit of solidarity and determination in ensuring that every possible effort is made to locate King and ensure his well-being. With the ongoing support and resources dedicated to the search operation, there is optimism that King will be found safe and sound, providing relief to those who care about him and demonstrating the strength of unity in times of adversity.
