22-year-old Austin King was last seen in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming on September 17, 2024. He disappeared while on a week-long backcountry trip to the summit of Eagle Peak in the Absaroka Range, the highest point of the park standing at more than 11,300 feet.

Background

Austin King is originally from Winona. He has two brothers and two sisters. Austin drives a two door 2006 White Chevy Silverado with Minnesota license plates HWH-863.

In 2024, Austin had worked through the spring and summer at Xanterra Parks and Resorts, a park concession that provides lodging and tourism services in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

Disappearance

On September 14, 2024, Austin King was dropped off by boat at Terrace Point, along the southeast arm of Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Austin had planned a week-long backcountry trip to summit Eagle Peak to celebrate the end of summer and as a personal accomplishment.

On September 16, 2024, Austin was last seen by a park ranger at Howell Creek Cabin, a location which was not on the route of his intended trek. He told the park ranger that he planned to climb Eagle Peak the next day. That night, he spent the night at campsite 6D8.

On September 17, 2024, Austin was last heard from when he called his parents and at least two friends from the top of Eagle Peak, located in the remote southeast corner of Yellowstone National Park, around 7:00 pm.

Eagle Peak is the highest point in the national park, standing at more than 11,300 feet. Austin described the challenging conditions on the summit that evening, with fog, rain, sleet, hail, and windy conditions. 

Austin hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

On September 20, 2024, Austin was reported overdue to the Yellowstone Interagency Communications Center after he failed to show up for his scheduled boat pickup near Yellowstone Lake’s Southeast Arm.

Investigation

On September 21, 2024, the National Park Service began an extensive search for Austin with the help of two helicopters, search dog teams, and ground searchers in the area around Eagle Peak. His camp and personal effects were subsequently recovered in the upper Howell Creek area.

On October 2, 2024, the National Park Service stated that the rescue for Austin had been transitioned to a recovery mission, which usually refers to a search for a body.

Whereabouts

The circumstances of Austin King’s disappearance remain unclear and his case is currently classified as missing. His case remains unsolved.

Appearance

Physical Description:
White male with brown hair and hazel eyes. Austin is 6’0 tall and weighs 150 pounds.

Distinctive Physical Features:
Austin has tattoos and wears glasses.

Clothing and accessories:
Austin was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, gray pants, and a dark colored backpack.

Investigating Agency

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Austin King please contact the Yellowstone Communications Center at (303) 344-2643.