Yellowstone concession worker missing after hike in harsh weather prompts rescue search

Austin King, a 22-year-old park concession worker, went missing in Yellowstone National Park after failing to check in at the end of a personal trip to Eagle Peak. Search efforts involving over 20 individuals on the ground, helicopter crews, drones, and a canine team have thus far been unsuccessful in locating him. King had informed a backcountry ranger of his plans to climb Eagle Peak on Sept. 16, citing challenging weather conditions on the summit including fog, rain, sleet, hail, and wind. The last contact with King was on Tuesday evening, and his unoccupied campsite and personal possessions were discovered in the upper Howell Creek area. Rescuers have been scouring the Yellowstone Lake area, where King was meant to be picked up by a boat on Friday, as well as around Eagle Peak, the park’s highest location. Temperatures in the park have been chilly, with nights dropping to the high 20s and daytime highs struggling to reach 60 degrees. King is described as 6 feet tall, 160 pounds, with hazel eyes, wearing glasses, a black sweatshirt, and gray pants. Any information regarding his whereabouts should be reported to the Yellowstone Interagency Communications Center. Over the past few days, teams from Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, as well as Park and Teton counties in Wyoming, have been involved in the search.

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