WY WY - Austin King, 22, Yellowstone National Park, Eagle Peak, 17 Sept 2024

[ch_13]

The most recently linked article said his pad was found at his campsite. I have hiked with others who carry 2 pads for various reasons, but I’d guess that’s unlikely in this case. I would guess he had his sleeping bag with no pad based on what’s been reported.

From the mist recently linked article above: “Search-and-rescuers found King’s food bag at his campsite, in addition to his tent and sleeping pad, Lamb added.”

Hmm, a sleeping bag without a pad on freezing cold ground. I’ve always been told that’s a very bad idea. It’ll just drain away your body heat.

 

[RedHaus]

And, while King submitted his trip plan to a park staffer, saying that he intended to sleep overnight on the summit to watch the sunrise, he was inexperienced.

What happened to Minnesota native missing in Yellowstone? His dad is determined to find out.

Brian King-Henke is leading his own search from Wyoming for backpacker Austin King, a 22-year-old Winona native, who disappeared after reaching the summit of Eagle Peak.

www.startribune.com

Great find! And it somehow makes more sense that AK had planned to stay at Eagle Peak summit until sunrise - the 7:30pm arrival, which would have been a crazy time to then descend in darkness.

I am presuming the sleet AK reported at 7:30pm on the summit, either turned to snow as the night went on and temps plummeted further, and/or coated the summit in ice. Either way, it was likely trecherous to attempt a morning descent.

Given that assimption (which could be incorrect), the fact AK did not call 911 when he awoke to those conditions, coupled with his poor equipment choice to bivouak up there (bag, no pad perhaps), makes me wonder if the young man either 1) fell to his death or mortal injury while looking for some sort of shelter at the summit, or 2) died of hypothermia concealed in a cave. IOW, IMO now, he likely died the night of 9/17 and is hidden.

The SAR Flickr album of images posted numerous times ^^^^ tells us Eagle Peak is very inhospitable and extremely difficult to navigate, traverse, etc. There are numerous shallow caves and overhangs below the summit. But to get to them IMO would be a trecherous enterprise. Couple that with sleet/ice and darkness...

Helpful new information that may help quell some of our sleuthing mysteries.

 

[LookingForClues]

My post last night wasn't meant to imply that I think he should have the most expensive clothing and gear, it was simply noting that we don't even know if he had the basics such as a raincoat and/or winter jacket, hat, gloves, etc. In many of the lost hiker/climber cases on the news (I live in hiker/climber heaven) and that I've followed here, the family and friends mention the gear and clothing, usually to emphasize that the hiker would have been prepared to some degree for some unexpected weather, injury, etc. It's just interesting to me that no one has talked about what he had taken on a 7-day solo backcountry trip into the mountains in the fall. I would think at least his friends and co-workers in Yellowstone would have some idea, even if his parents didn't know.

It reinforces my impression that he was not prepared for something to go wrong, which makes me sad because I think at some point, he realized things had gone sideways far beyond what he wrote in the summit registry. Perhaps his "life is beautiful" signoff was just as much a message to himself as it was to his family and friends, whom he knew would someday read it.

I love the mountains. I live in the mountains. I can't imagine not being in the mountains. It always breaks my heart when someone doesn't make it home from the mountains.

 

[georgiajean]

I do not know if this has been shared yet. This man Roger Roots made videos of his search for Austin over the course of several days. It is the best video of what this terrain is like. He was working with Austin's dad, and sharing these videos publicly on his FB page.
Video #1
Video #2
Video #3
Video #4
Video #5 (from summit, shows the box where summit register is)

 

[outsidecreativ]

I think at some point, he realized things had gone sideways far beyond what he wrote in the summit registry. Perhaps his "life is beautiful" signoff was just as much a message to himself as it was to his family and friends, whom he knew would someday read it.

I thought this as well when I read the summit registry. He was thrilled and proud - but to me it also read as someone who was saying all the things he needed to say...

 

[Eridachtlin]

I thought this as well when I read the summit registry. He was thrilled and proud - but to me it also read as someone who was saying all the things he needed to say...

Well, that is dark.

I don't think he would have been that pessimistic. With a sleeping bag, even with no pad, he would have known he could survive the night. I think it is more likely he fell while seeking a suitable place out of the wind, maybe while retreating down or maybe off one of the ridges in search of such a place.

 

[outsidecreativ]

Well, that is dark.

I don't think he would have been that pessimistic. With a sleeping bag, even with no pad, he would have known he could survive the night. I think it is more likely he fell while seeking a suitable place out of the wind, maybe while retreating down or maybe off one of the ridges in search of such a place.

I just think he may have had an "Oh crap" moment and realized he was in way over his head given the elements and the terrain.

 

[Tbone144]

Read today that the interior roads in Yellowstone are closed for the season.

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com

WYDOT Facebook link.

 

[Herat]

Read today that the interior roads in Yellowstone are closed for the season.

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com

WYDOT Facebook link.

Yes, that high country has a long winter season.

Most paved roads don't re-open until the beginning of June.

 

[mickey2942]

I do not know if this has been shared yet. This man Roger Roots made videos of his search for Austin over the course of several days. It is the best video of what this terrain is like. He was working with Austin's dad, and sharing these videos publicly on his FB page.
Video #1
Video #2
Video #3
Video #4
Video #5 (from summit, shows the box where summit register is)

Wow. That is definitely for experienced climbers. I don't consider that a "trail" for hiking. There isn't a trail. I stay to well developed trails, old logging roads.

 

[mickey2942]

I just think he may have had an "Oh crap" moment and realized he was in way over his head given the elements and the terrain.

Then, why didn't he dial 911 where he had cell service, and ask for help? Surely, that is better than the alternative.

 

[Cedars]

I thought this as well when I read the summit registry. He was thrilled and proud - but to me it also read as someone who was saying all the things he needed to say...

I don't agree because he states he's going to remember that day "for the rest of my life".

IMO, he was 22 - he wasn't complaining, he wasn't afraid, he was exhilarated at what he'd done to get there. He was bragging because he'd tested his limits and come through. This is what climbers do and why they do it. High as a kite, without drugs.

IMO he possibly fell the next morning, trying to get back down, since there isn't any trace of the stuff he'd likely brought to bivouac.

JMO

 

[borndem]

Welcome to Websleuths,
Eridachtlin !!​

 

[RedHaus]

What an incredible 5 week back country hiker survival story from BC. How I wish this had been the outcome for Austin King.

 

[RedHaus]

OK, new news. Remember 7/20/2025.

"Austin’s father said that he was doing everything in his power to fundraise for a huge search effort being scheduled for July 20 2025 once the snow has melted off the mountain ranges in Yellowstone."

Dad is still hoping AK will survive winter.

"The search would involve scouring private rental cabins scattered over Yellowstone that are not on ordinance survey maps. The idea his son might have made it to one of them gives him some glimmer of hope."

""I’m hearing that all these hunters that go out there, there are quite a few cabins spread out in those mountain ranges and those basins,” he said.

“So, if he [Austin] was able to get out there and find them then he’d have supplies. They all have blankets, firewood, food, you’re out of the weather – so there’s always the possibility."

"Like I’ve been saying all along, you know, I believe in the impossible.”

 

[CrimeDawg123]

OK, new news. Remember 7/20/2025.

"Austin’s father said that he was doing everything in his power to fundraise for a huge search effort being scheduled for July 20 2025 once the snow has melted off the mountain ranges in Yellowstone."

Dad is still hoping AK will survive winter.

"The search would involve scouring private rental cabins scattered over Yellowstone that are not on ordinance survey maps. The idea his son might have made it to one of them gives him some glimmer of hope."

""I’m hearing that all these hunters that go out there, there are quite a few cabins spread out in those mountain ranges and those basins,” he said.

“So, if he [Austin] was able to get out there and find them then he’d have supplies. They all have blankets, firewood, food, you’re out of the weather – so there’s always the possibility."

"Like I’ve been saying all along, you know, I believe in the impossible.”

How sad they've not had any answers.

 

[Tower]

OK, new news. Remember 7/20/2025.

"Austin’s father said that he was doing everything in his power to fundraise for a huge search effort being scheduled for July 20 2025 once the snow has melted off the mountain ranges in Yellowstone."

Dad is still hoping AK will survive winter.

"The search would involve scouring private rental cabins scattered over Yellowstone that are not on ordinance survey maps. The idea his son might have made it to one of them gives him some glimmer of hope."

""I’m hearing that all these hunters that go out there, there are quite a few cabins spread out in those mountain ranges and those basins,” he said.

“So, if he [Austin] was able to get out there and find them then he’d have supplies. They all have blankets, firewood, food, you’re out of the weather – so there’s always the possibility."

"Like I’ve been saying all along, you know, I believe in the impossible.”

I’m so sad for his dad and other family/friends. Holding out hope is keeping Dad going, I think. But what he is hoping for is essentially impossible. I hope I’m wrong!

 

[Eridachtlin]

OK, new news. Remember 7/20/2025.

"Austin’s father said that he was doing everything in his power to fundraise for a huge search effort being scheduled for July 20 2025 once the snow has melted off the mountain ranges in Yellowstone."

Dad is still hoping AK will survive winter.

"The search would involve scouring private rental cabins scattered over Yellowstone that are not on ordinance survey maps. The idea his son might have made it to one of them gives him some glimmer of hope."

""I’m hearing that all these hunters that go out there, there are quite a few cabins spread out in those mountain ranges and those basins,” he said.

“So, if he [Austin] was able to get out there and find them then he’d have supplies. They all have blankets, firewood, food, you’re out of the weather – so there’s always the possibility."

"Like I’ve been saying all along, you know, I believe in the impossible.”

I feel sorry for his father, but this seems like way beyond a long shot.

There is no hunting in Yellowstone national park. Picking up antlers is illegal. Even taking a rock from the park is illegal. The only area this scenario would be relevant is east of the park. I am having a hard time envisioning a case where AK could make it to a cabin east of the park then stay out of contact during the intensive search.

Keep in mind that it gets extremely cold in YNP. Think -40F.

I believe it is likely he retreated from the summit looking for a place to stay the night, fell, and never made it to see the sunrise. My thinking there is he would have called that morning from the summit, especially since he had only been able to leave a voice message the night before for his father.

 

[RedHaus]

I believe it is likely he retreated from the summit looking for a place to stay the night, fell, and never made it to see the sunrise. My thinking there is he would have called that morning from the summit, especially since he had only been able to leave a voice message the night before for his father.

RSBM
I can't agree with you more, @Eridachtlin. This is my conclusion as well. I hope the 7/2025 search includes caves and crevasses near the summit.

 

[FoxxTraxx]

RSBM
I can't agree with you more, @Eridachtlin. This is my conclusion as well. I hope the 7/2025 search includes caves and crevasses near the summit.

The fundraising page for AK is quite active and preparing for the July search effort. It looks like they are struggling to come to terms with his disappearance. That is understandable. I just hope they can put together a logical plan for the search. Experienced searchers should know where AK is most likely to be found and how to limit the risks to the persons going out there.