New Search Planned for Missing Winona Man in Yellowstone

Winona, MN (KROC-AM News) - The father of a young Winona man who went missing in a remote area of Yellowstone National Park last year is launching a new search effort.

A GoFundMe online fundraiser established by Brian King-Henke indicates the search will resume on July 20.

Austin King was 22 years old when he disappeared while hiking in the southeast corner of the vast wilderness area. He was last heard from on September 17 when he called friends and family from the top of Eagle Peak. Fog, rain, sleet, hail, and strong winds were reported in the area while he was at the summit.

A news release about his disappearance, issued by the National Park Service, says the young man was a concession employee for a private company authorized to do business in the park. A search for the Winona man was launched on September 21, one day after King failed to arrive for his boat pickup following a weeklong backcountry excursion.

In early October, the Park Service announced that the operation had shifted from a rescue to a recovery effort. More than 100 personnel were involved in air and ground searches. At that time, the search effort had covered more than 3,200 miles at elevations as high as 11,350 feet.

Get our free mobile app

The GoFundMe fundraiser to assist his family in the search effort has a goal of $35,000. As of Monday afternoon, it had brought in just under $23,000.

More Minnesota News:

• Rare Bear Attack Results In Severe Injuries For Wisconsin Woman
• Southern Minnesota Man Killed in Weekend Motorcycle Crash
• Police Officer Treated After Fentanyl Exposure in Rochester