Search for Missing Yellowstone Hiker Austin King Enters Recovery Phase
After weeks of intensive efforts, the search for 22-year-old Austin King, who disappeared near Eagle Peak, has transitioned to a recovery operation as winter conditions set in.
- Austin King, a 22-year-old Yellowstone National Park worker, was last heard from on September 17 after reaching the summit of Eagle Peak in Wyoming.
- A massive search operation involving more than 100 people and extensive aerial and ground efforts has so far failed to locate King.
- His father, Brian King-Henke, has spearheaded ongoing search efforts, despite the National Park Service scaling back its official operation due to harsh weather and safety concerns.
- Attempts to use a helicopter for further search efforts were denied by the US Forest Service, citing risks associated with the mountainous terrain and weather conditions.
- King's family and volunteers remain hopeful for a breakthrough, continuing to organize searches while raising funds and awareness for the cause.