GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Search crews are looking for a missing man in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park after he was reported missing earlier this week. According to park officials, Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak was reported missing on Aug. 24, prompting an ongoing search effort in and around the park.
Park officials said dispatchers received a report that Bachleda-Blaszczak was missing and subsequently located his vehicle near the Sugarlands Visitor Center, one of the park’s most heavily visited areas located just outside Gatlinburg. The discovery of the vehicle has become a focal point of the search operation.
Authorities describe Bachleda-Blaszczak as 5 feet 6 inches tall and approximately 170 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes. Officials have not released additional details about what he may have been wearing when he was last seen or the circumstances leading up to his disappearance.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is asking the public for assistance as the search continues. Anyone who may have seen Bachleda-Blaszczak, encountered him while visiting the park, or has information that could help investigators is encouraged to contact park dispatch.
Officials specifically requested that tips be sent to grsm_dispatch@nps.gov. Search efforts remain active as authorities work to determine his whereabouts.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws millions of visitors each year and encompasses more than 500,000 acres of rugged mountain terrain along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Search operations in the park often involve challenging conditions due to steep slopes, dense forests and remote backcountry areas.
Anyone with information that could assist in locating Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak is urged to contact Great Smoky Mountains National Park dispatch as soon as possible.
Description of Missing Person:
- Name: Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak
- Height: 5’6″
- Weight: 170 pounds
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Blue
- Last known clue: Vehicle located near Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Contact: grsm_dispatch@nps.gov
