Sevier Co, TN (WOKI) – Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials, with assistance from local agencies, continue an active search for Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak, an Illinois man who was reported missing on the evening of August 24.
Park officials say Bachleda-Blaszczak is 5 feet, 6 inches tall, weighs about 170 pounds, and has brown hair and blue eyes.
Following the missing person report, investigators located his vehicle in the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking lot. Based on information gathered during the investigation, officials believe his last known location was that parking lot on August 22.
A team of 57 park rangers and volunteers is currently searching areas in and around the national park. As search efforts expand, visitors may encounter personnel wearing brightly colored shirts both on and off established trails.
Search teams are also using drones as part of the operation. While drones are normally prohibited within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, officials say their use has been temporarily authorized for this emergency response.
Anyone who may have seen Bachleda-Blaszczak in or around the park, or who has information about his whereabouts, is asked to contact park dispatch at GRSM_Dispatch@nps.gov.
