US News
Search continues in Great Smoky Mountains for missing Illinois man
A multi-agency team of nearly 60 people is scouring on- and off-trail areas after finding the man's vehicle at a visitor center.
The short version
- Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak of Illinois has been missing for over a week after last being seen at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- A 57-member team of park rangers, volunteers, and local agencies is searching trails and backcountry areas.
- The National Park Service has temporarily permitted drone operations, which are normally barred, to aid the search effort.
- His current whereabouts and the circumstances leading to his disappearance remain unknown.
Key facts
- Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak was last known to be at the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking lot on August 22, 2025, and was reported missing two days later.[Fox News]
- Authorities located Bachleda-Blaszczak's vehicle in the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking lot following his reported disappearance.[Fox News]
- The search operation grew to 57 personnel, including National Park Service rangers, volunteers, and local agency staff.[Fox News]
- The National Park Service temporarily authorized drone usage, which is standardly prohibited within the park, to assist search teams.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- Bachleda-Blaszczak's current location, physical condition, and direction of travel after leaving his vehicle are unknown.[Fox News]