Overview
- Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak was last seen at the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking lot on Aug. 22 and was reported missing to park dispatch on Aug. 24, according to National Park Service officials.
- Park crews found his vehicle in the visitor-center lot after he was reported missing and have since expanded the search perimeter around the Sugarlands area.
- The active search now includes about 57 park rangers, volunteers and partner rescue teams with four North Carolina mountain rescue teams among those deployed.
- Drones, normally prohibited in the park, have been temporarily authorized to help cover rugged on- and off-trail terrain as teams look for signs of Bachleda-Blaszczak.
- Officials asked anyone with information or who may encounter him to contact GRSM_Dispatch@nps.gov and warned visitors they may meet search crews wearing brightly colored shirts while operations continue.