YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyoming — A Minnesota native is still missing in Yellowstone National Park after not returning from a solo hike to the park's highest peak.
Austin King-Henke, 22, was dropped off at Terrace Point by boat on Sept. 14 ahead of the hike up Eagle Peak. He planned a week-long solo trip but was reported missing when he didn't return.
The National Park Service says in the past seven days there have been 96 personnel, two helicopters, a search dog team, ground teams with spotting scopes, and a drone looking for King-Henke.
Officials said King-Henke spoke with a backcountry ranger in a cabin at a spot that was not on his planned route. He also made a phone call while at the summit of Eagles Peek, where he described fog, rain, sleet, hail, and windy conditions.
Authorities are working with cellular forensics experts to try to gain more information from his cellphone data.
The National Park Service describes Eagle Peak as an "expansive and hazardous area."
King-Henke is a concessions worker at Xanterra Parks and Resorts, which operates in Yellowstone. 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.
The National Park Service said the search for King-Henke remains active and crews will continue to search the remote area as conditions warrant. More details on the search effort can be found by clicking here.
Austin's father, Brian King-Henke, established a GoFundMe account to help him continue to play a leading role in the search effort.
