News Release

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Continues Search for Marcin Bachleda‑Blaszczak

News Release Date: August 29, 2026
Contact: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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 47 park rangers and volunteers is actively searching areas in and around the park, with additional resources en route to assist. As the search area expands, visitors may encounter search personnel wearing brightly colored shirts both on and off established trails.

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

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