Father of hiker missing in Yellowstone reveals heartbreaking decision to go back home to Minnesota without him

In a tragic incident in Yellowstone National Park, located in the United States, 22-year-old Austin King disappeared on September 17, after climbing Eagle Peak, the highest mountain in the park. His last contact occurred after reaching the summit, and since then, no one has been able to locate him. Following Austin’s disappearance, his father, Brian King-Henke, tirelessly sought options to aid in the search for his son. However, numerous obstacles thwarted these efforts. On October 14, an initiative by a volunteer rescue team to deploy experienced climbers was denied by park officials. The US Forest Service expressed refusal to allow helicopter assistance on the eve of their planned search, which was particularly disheartening. Additionally, mechanical issues with planes set to assist the search and the onset of heavy snow complicated the situation further. As conditions deteriorated, Brian found himself at a loss for alternatives. He ultimately made the heart-wrenching decision to return to Minnesota, leaving behind the hope of locating his son while dealing with the harsh reality of his disappearance. The park authorities have now shifted the focus of their efforts toward a recovery mission rather than a traditional rescue operation. In the meantime, Austin’s father is left to navigate the challenges of daily life, trying to cope with his son’s unknown fate while clinging to a note written by Austin commemorating his adventurous and transformative experience on the mountain.