The father of the 22-year-old hiker who went missing in Yellowstone National Park on a solo trek, found a chilling note that revealed the treacherous conditions he faced before vanishing, according to a report.
Austin King set off on a seven-day backcountry trip in mid-September, with the goal to reach Eagle Peak, the highest mountain in Yellowstone. On September 17, King called his family to let them know he had reached the summit, but that was the last they heard from him, according to the National Park Service.
King's subsequent disappearance triggered a large-scale search operation after he missed his anticipated return date. As search efforts intensified, King's father, Brian King-Henke shared a haunting note with the Cowboy State Daily that his son wrote at the summit, which captured the physical struggles and extreme weather conditions.
"I can't feel my fingers and my glasses are so fogged from the ruthless weather of the mountains. I truly cannot believe I am here after what it took to be here. I endured rain, sleet, hail and the most wind I have ever felt," King's note read "I could not see Eagle for most of the day due to the most fog I have ever seen in my life. I free soloed too many cliffs to get here and walked up to the peak from the connecting peak – AKA not the right path. I am 22 years old and I will never forget today (for) the rest of my life. Life is beautiful, get out and LIVE IT!"
In light of the ongoing search, King-Henke has mobilized support through a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised over $13,000 to fund private search efforts.
Meanwhile, official search operations continue, involving drones, tracking dogs, and over 100 personnel joining in to cover a 3,225-mile search radius. Despite all efforts, King has not been located.
"Thank you all so much for your support. It truly means everything right now. This morning we are sending out more guys and equipment and supplies and k-9. Tomorrow more guys will be going out. In the hopes we can find Austin before the weather changes late Wednesday into Thursday. Hoping God can hold that system off a few more days. I'm truly blessed with all of your kindness.King-Henke shared an update," King-Henke wrote in a recent GoFundMe update.
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