News Release

Ryan Lakes found deceased in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Date: September 22, 2025
Contact: Katie Liming

GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Ryan Lakes was found deceased at approximately 2:45 p.m. on September 21 in the Big Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Lakes, age 21, was last seen Thursday, Sept. 18 in Nashville, TN and his vehicle was found in the Big Creek area of the park on Sept. 20. Park rangers and local agencies completed an initial search on Sept. 20 and continued search efforts on Sept. 21.  

The NPS thanks several organizations that assisted with this search:

• Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

• Cocke County Sheriff's Office.

• Haywood County Sheriffs Office.

• U.S. Forest Service.

• Rhea County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit.

• Bradley County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit.

• BUSAR Search and Rescue.

Please respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time. 

-NPS-