A search for an Illinois man missing from Great Smoky Mountains National Park has expanded, with 57 park rangers and volunteers now working in and around the park, according to the latest update from the National Park Service.
Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak, who is from Illinois, was reported missing to park dispatch on the evening of Aug. 24. Investigators said his vehicle was later found in the parking lot at Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg.
His last known location is believed to be the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking lot on Aug. 22.
The National Park Service said search crews have been expanding their efforts beyond the immediate Sugarlands area. Visitors in the park may see search personnel wearing brightly colored shirts while working both on and off established trails.
Search teams may also use drones as part of the emergency response. Although drones are generally prohibited in the national park, the National Park Service said they are being used temporarily for the search.
Bachleda-Blaszczak is described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall and approximately 170 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes.
A family fundraiser identifies him as being from Lockport, Illinois. The fundraiser also asks people who were near Sugarlands Visitor Center on Aug. 22 to check photographs, videos, dashcam footage and other recordings that could potentially help investigators determine his movements.
Anyone who may have seen Bachleda-Blaszczak or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Great Smoky Mountains National Park dispatch at [email protected].
The search remains active as park officials and assisting agencies continue working to locate him.
