YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — A 22-year-old from Winona has been missing in Yellowstone National Park, and after 11 days of searching, authorities have scaled back from a rescue mission to a recovery effort.
Austin King-Henke was dropped off at Terrace Point by boat on Sept. 14 ahead of the hike up Eagle Peak, the highest point in the national park, for a week-long solo trip. Over the next few days he spoke to friends and family on the phone, and talked with a backcountry ranger. But when he did not return at the scheduled time, he was reported missing.
For the past 11 days, more than 100 personnel have been looking for King-Henke, utilizing helicopters, dog teams, and drones. According to the National Park Service, more than 3,225 miles by air and ground at elevations ranging from 11,350 feet to 8,400 feet have been searched.
Officials said "unfortunately, they have not found any definitive clues as to King’s current whereabouts."
"Despite significant search efforts over the past week and a half, we have not been able to locate Austin,” said Superintendent Cam Sholly in a press release. “Although we will continue to hope for the best, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Austin’s family, friends and colleagues. I also want to thank the teams from Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, and Park and Teton counties, Wyoming, who have all worked tirelessly to find Austin in some of the most difficult and remote terrain in Yellowstone.”
This week authorities said the search is scaling back from a rescue mission to a recovery effort. Searches will continue but the National Park Service said it will be limited, and "the park does not expect to provide further updates unless a notable change occurs."
King-Henke is an employee at Xanterra Parks and Resorts, a private business within Yellowstone National Park. He grew up in Winona and is a graduate of Winona-Cotter High School. His Facebook page reflects a young man who loves the outdoors and the adventures that come with it. Social media is inundated with posts hoping for his safe return.