The search for a man who was last seen Aug. 22 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has come to an end after he was found safe.
Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak was confirmed safe in North Carolina, park officials announced.
"The National Park Service is grateful to everyone who assisted in the search by submitting tips and spreading the word, as well as to the many park rangers, volunteers and partner agencies who assisted with the search," a news release said.
Bachleda-Blaszczak – who is from Illinois – was reported missing the night of Aug. 24. An initial investigation located his vehicle in the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking lot, which was believed to be his last known whereabouts.
Rangers asked thepublic to email SmokiesTips@nps.gov with any
information or if they believe they might have seen Bachleda Blaszczak.
By Aug. 29, search efforts had expanded beyond the park boundary, while continuing to look in the park. A team up to 57 park rangers and volunteers helped with the search. Drones, which are prohibited in the national park, were also temporarily used as part of the emergency response.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Man found safe after long search in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
