As the search for Austin King reaches its seventh day, efforts remain concentrated around Eagle Peak in Yellowstone National Park. King, an employee with Xanterra Parks and Resorts—a company authorized to operate within Yellowstone—was reported missing after he did not return from a scheduled boat pickup near Yellowstone Lake’s Southeast Arm on September 20, following his 7-day solo trip aimed at summiting Eagle Peak.
To assist in the search, a significant deployment including 96 personnel, two helicopters, a search dog team, ground teams equipped with spotting scopes, and a drone have been utilized. The search area spans the challenging terrain of Eagle Peak, Yellowstone’s highest point at 11,372 feet, extending down to approximately 8,000 feet covering various drainages and ridgetops.
On Thursday, September 26, both helicopters—one from Yellowstone National Park and the other from Teton County, Wyoming—conducted extensive searches throughout the region. Additionally, Yellowstone staff are investigating cellular activity detected from King’s phone on the evening of September 17, when he reached the peak. Experts in cellular forensics are currently analyzing this data to provide further clues.
Collaboration continues with Grand Teton National Park, and both Park and Teton Counties in Wyoming as the search operations persist. The search teams are committed to continuing their efforts over the coming days, weather and conditions permitting.
Further updates will be provided by the park as more information becomes available.
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