A 57-member search team is looking for Illinois resident Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak, who has been missing for more than a week in or around Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The National Park Service said he was last known to be at the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking lot on Aug. 22, 2025, where his vehicle was later found. Rangers, volunteers and local agencies have expanded the search beyond trails and are using drones to cover difficult terrain. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact park dispatch.
The search comes after family members said nothing appeared unusual before Bachleda-Blaszczak disappeared. He was reported missing two days after he was last seen, following concerns that he did not appear for work.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Last known location and missing-person report |
| 2) | Search teams widen operations across the park |
| 3) | Temporary drone use supports the search |
| 4) | Family describes ordinary events before disappearance |
| 5) | Officials release identifying details and appeal for tips |
Last known location and missing-person report
Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak was last known to be at the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking lot in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Aug. 22, 2025, according to the National Park Service. The visitor center is on the Tennessee side of the park, which straddles Tennessee and North Carolina. He was reported missing two days later, and his vehicle was found in the same parking lot. The circumstances that led to his disappearance have not been publicly established.
Search teams widen operations across the park
Park rangers and volunteers, assisted by local agencies, are searching both on and off established trails in and around the park. Rangers initially focused on the area surrounding Sugarlands Visitor Center before broadening the operation. The search team included 47 rangers and volunteers by Saturday and grew to 57 members by Sunday, according to the National Park Service. The expanded effort reflects the need to cover a large and challenging wilderness area while looking for a person whose vehicle remained at a heavily visited location.
Temporary drone use supports the search
Search crews are using drones to help survey areas that may be difficult or time-consuming to reach on foot. Drones are normally prohibited inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but officials have temporarily authorized their use for this operation. The technology gives searchers another way to examine terrain both near the visitor center and farther into the surrounding landscape. Officials have not disclosed whether the searches have produced any confirmed signs of Bachleda-Blaszczak.
Family describes ordinary events before disappearance
Family members said Bachleda-Blaszczak’s behavior appeared normal before he went missing. His cousin, Corrina Auten, said he had pizza with his father the day before and discussed the possibility of picking up a work shift the following day. She said the conversation did not suggest anything unusual.
“It was very, you know, like a normal, normal conversation. There wasn’t anything strange or amiss.”
Auten said the family became concerned after Bachleda-Blaszczak did not show up for work and was reported missing.
Officials release identifying details and appeal for tips
Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak is described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall and approximately 170 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes. The National Park Service is asking anyone who has information or believes they may have seen him to contact Great Smoky Mountains National Park dispatch at GRSM_Dispatch@nps.gov. Officials have not announced a conclusion to the search.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak was last known to be at Sugarlands Visitor Center on Aug. 22, 2025. |
| 2 | His vehicle was found in the visitor center parking lot after he was reported missing. |
| 3 | The search grew from 47 rangers and volunteers to 57 members. |
| 4 | Drones are temporarily permitted in the park to assist search crews. |
Summary
The National Park Service and partner agencies continue to search Great Smoky Mountains National Park for Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak. His last known location and the discovery of his vehicle have focused the operation around Sugarlands Visitor Center, while crews also examine wider areas on and off trails. Authorities say public information could help determine his whereabouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak last known to be?
He was last known to be at the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking lot in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Aug. 22, 2025.
Who is conducting the search?
National Park Service rangers and volunteers, along with local agencies, are conducting the search. The team reached 57 members by Sunday.
How can the public provide information?
Anyone with information or who believes they have seen Bachleda-Blaszczak can contact Great Smoky Mountains National Park dispatch at GRSM_Dispatch@nps.gov.
