Search efforts intensify for missing Yellowstone employee Austin King, 22, as they enter their second week.
At a Glance
- Authorities are searching for 22-year-old Yellowstone National Park employee, Austin King.
- King has been missing for more than a week after venturing alone onto Eagle Peak.
- Last contact was on Sept. 17, 2024, when King called a family member from the top of Eagle Peak.
- Search operations include over 20 personnel, two helicopters, and search dogs.
Details of the Missing Person Case
Austin King, a 22-year-old concession employee at Yellowstone National Park, has been missing for over a week. King, originally from Winona, Minnesota, was last heard from on September 17, 2024, when he called a family member from the summit of Eagle Peak. His last known location was in the Howell Creek area, and he failed to show up for a scheduled boat pickup near Yellowstone Lake.
King embarked on a solo adventure on September 14 when he was dropped off by boat near Howell Creek, planning to summit Eagle Peak and return a week later. During his last call, he reported challenging weather conditions including fog, rain, sleet, hail, and wind.
Austin King, 22, has been missing since he failed to return from a week-long solo excursion to summit Eagle Peak, the highest point in Yellowstone. https://t.co/4e6Y8jj9km
— The Star Press (@TheStarPress) September 24, 2024
Rescue Efforts Intensify
Search and rescue efforts began on Saturday, September 21, involving 20+ ground searchers, two helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, and search dogs. Rescuers located King’s last campsite in parts of the upper Howell Creek area. The search is concentrated around Eagle Peak, Eagle Pass Mountain Creek Trail, and Eagle Creek Trailhead.
“MINNEAPOLIS — Crews at Yellowstone National Park are searching for a young man from Minnesota who has not been heard from for nearly a week. Officials say 22-year-old Austin King was last heard from on Tuesday, Sept. 17 when he called his friends and family from the summit of Eagle Peak in Wyoming.”
The remote and high-elevation search area is covered with snow and ice, making operations hazardous. However, favorable weather conditions in the upcoming days are expected to aid the search efforts. The National Park Service has asked the public for assistance, especially from those who might have seen King in the backcountry near Eagle Peak since September 14.
Austin King, 22, has been missing since he failed to return from a week-long solo excursion to summit Eagle Peak, the highest point in Yellowstone. https://t.co/GI80ad3rfN
— Corpus Christi Caller-Times (@callerdotcom) September 24, 2024
Public and Family’s Role
A missing person flier with King’s description and images has been widely circulated. Information on King’s whereabouts should be reported to the Yellowstone Interagency Communications Center at 307-244-2643. King’s father, Brian King-Henke, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support the rescue efforts, raising over $1,600 of a $5,000 goal. The family remains hopeful and has urged the public to keep Austin in their prayers for a safe return.
“Family are keeping an open mind for him to come home. Please keep Austin in your prayers,” the desperate dad wrote.
Authorities continue to comb the area around Eagle Peak, utilizing every available resource. The high elevation, hazardous terrain, and inclement weather present significant challenges, but the search teams remain resolute in their mission to find Austin King and bring him back safely.
Sources
1. Search for missing Yellowstone employee continues
2. Search for missing Yellowstone worker enters second week
