After a hiker went missing while climbing a Yellowstone National Park mountain a month ago, search times have struggled to find many clues about how or why they disappeared.
But now, a letter written by Austin King, the hiker, has been discovered…and it raises even more questions.
At a glance:
- Austin King, a 22-year-old hiker, has been missing for nearly a month after summiting Eagle Peak in Yellowstone National Park.
- He left a note at the summit detailing his difficult journey, describing harsh weather conditions such as rain, sleet, and fog.
- Despite an extensive search effort, authorities have shifted from rescue to recovery mode as winter approaches.
A chilling note left by missing hiker Austin King at the summit of Eagle Peak in Yellowstone National Park has provided a window into the harrowing conditions he endured before his disappearance. The 22-year-old hiker, who had embarked on a solo backcountry trip, was last heard from on September 17, when he contacted friends and family from the summit. In voicemails, King described battling intense fog, rain, sleet, hail, and severe winds. Three days later, he was reported missing after failing to meet his scheduled boat pickup on Yellowstone Lake.
The note, discovered in the summit registry and shared by his father, recounts King’s treacherous ascent. He described being unable to feel his fingers and having fogged glasses due to the harsh weather. He also detailed how he lost the correct trail in the dense fog, forcing him to “free solo” cliffs in order to reach the peak. King signed off with a poignant message: “I will never forget today for the rest of my life. Life is beautiful, go out and LIVE IT!”
King’s disappearance prompted an extensive search and rescue effort, with crews battling snow, ice, and six-foot drifts on Eagle Peak. Despite these efforts, the National Park Service has since transitioned the search into a recovery mission. Winter weather, including snow, is expected to further complicate any remaining search efforts.
King, described as 6 feet tall and weighing 160 pounds, was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt and gray pants. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen him around the time of his disappearance to contact the Yellowstone Interagency Communications Center.
This tragic case underscores the importance of preparation and safety when undertaking backcountry hikes. Experts recommend thorough research, carrying navigational aids, and ensuring communication devices are available, especially in unpredictable mountain conditions.
