Great Smoky Mountains National Park Expands Search for Marcin Bachleda‑Blaszczak with 57‑Member Team

News Release Date: August 30, 2026
Contact:Great Smoky Mountains National Park

GATLINBURG, Tenn. - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with assistance from local agencies, continues to search for Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak, who was reported missing on the evening of Aug. 24.

Bachleda-Blaszczak is described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall and approximately 170 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is from Illinois.

Following the missing person report, Bachleda-Blaszczak's vehicle was located in the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking lot. Based on the investigation to date, his last known location was the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking lot on Aug. 22.

A team of 57 park rangers and volunteers is actively searching areas in and around the park. As the search area expands, visitors may encounter search personnel wearing brightly colored shirts both on and off established trails. Search teams may also be operating drones. Please note that while drones are prohibited in the national park, they are being used temporarily as part of the emergency response.

Anyone with information about Bachleda-Blaszczak's whereabouts, or who may have seen him in or around the park, is asked to contact [email protected].

nps.gov

About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.

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