YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — Search efforts continue for a Minnesota native who is missing after embarking on a hike in Yellowstone.
The National Park Service says 22-year-old Austin King-Henke was last heard from around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17 when he called a family member from Eagle Peak, described online as the highest spot in Yellowstone and one of the most remote areas (based on distance from an established road) in the lower 48.
A news release from the National Park Service says King-Henke was dropped off by boat at Terrace Point on Saturday, Sept. 14, and spoke with a backcountry ranger on a cabin two days later at a spot that was not on his planned route. After the conversation from Eagle Peak on Sept. 17, King-Henke failed to show up for a boat scheduled to pick him up on Sept. 20.
While on the summit at Eagle Peak, King-Henke described conditions as foggy and windy, with rain, sleet and hail.
Search and Rescue teams from Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks have been actively looking for King-Henke in the vicinity of Eagle Peak, Eagle Pass Mountain Creek Trail and Eagle Creek Trailhead in Shoshone National Forest over the past several days. Searchers located his camp and equipment Saturday evening in the upper Howell Creek area, but King-Henke was not there.
Rescue teams are using multiple helicopters and drones, and dogs on the ground in an effort to locate the missing hiker.
King-Henke is a concessions worker at 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.
"Come on kid, show us where you are," wrote Austin's grandfather Richard King. "2 helicopters, 4 boats, a drone, 48 people on the ground and a dog are all out there."
"Think of this young man tonight and say a prayer for him and his family," wrote poster Jill Williams. "I can’t imagine the pain they’re in right now. He’s been missing since the 17th and the search is still on. We hear the helicopters at times, wondering if they’re for him. May he be found safe soon."
Austin's father, Brian King-Henke, established a GoFundMe account to help him continue to play a leading role in the search effort.
Austin King-Henke is described as 6 feet tall, 160 lbs. with brown hair, hazel eyes and glasses. He was last seen wearing gray pants and a black sweatshirt. Anyone who sees him or knows of Austin's whereabouts is asked to call the Yellowstone Interagency Communications System at 307-344-2643.
