Missing hiker, 22, leaves haunting final note before vanishing on 11,000ft mountain

In September 2023, Austin King, a 22-year-old hiker, embarked on a solo climb of Eagle Peak in Yellowstone Park, Wyoming. He began his hike on September 14, but concerns arose when he failed to show up for a scheduled boat pick-up on September 20. His family received voicemails a week later, where he expressed confusion and mentioned the deteriorating weather conditions, including rain and fog. The search for King has involved over 20 on-the-ground searchers, two helicopters, and a dog search team, highlighting the urgency and scale of the rescue efforts. Tragically, despite these efforts, he has not been located. A handwritten note was later discovered, revealing the extreme challenges he faced during his descent, including freezing temperatures and heavy fog. In his note, King described the harsh conditions, stating he could not feel his fingers and struggled with visibility due to the fog. He expressed disbelief at his situation and the intensity of the weather he encountered. This note has provided insight into his final moments in the mountains. Before his disappearance, King had been working in Yellowstone for the summer and was preparing to return home to Winona, Minnesota. His father has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support the ongoing search efforts, which has raised over $11,000, reflecting the community's concern and support for the missing hiker.