News Release
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News Release Date: August 31, 2026
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Great Smoky Mountains National Park continues to search for Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak who was reported missing on the evening of Aug. 24. With support from partner agencies, search efforts remain active within the park boundary and have expanded beyond the park as the investigation continues.
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.
The National Park Service and assisting agencies continue the active search and investigation to locate Bachleda-Blaszczak. Teams continue to conduct on and off trail searches within a perimeter surrounding where his vehicle was discovered, while also expanding search efforts beyond the park boundary. Investigators are pursuing all leads, including gathering information about Bachleda‑Blaszczak’s plans and identifying anyone who may have seen him or has information about his whereabouts.
Anyone with information is asked to contact SmokiesTips@nps.gov.
Last updated: August 31, 2026