Search and Rescue dog teams join search for Austin Bohanan, teen missing in Smokies for 11 days

Austin Bohanan

UPDATE: 2 p.m. Aug. 22 - Two search and rescue dog teams have joined 28 trained emergency responders in the ongoing search for eighteen-year old Austin Bohanan. Rangers with Tennessee State Parks, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and Obed Wild and Scenic River have joined the effort, with continuing support from Great Smoky Mountains National Park staff, Backcountry Unit Search and Rescue (BUSAR), and Blount Special Operations Response Team (BSORT) members. Additional resources with Eastern National Incident Coordination Center and Virginia’s Black Diamond Search and Rescue are also assisting with the overall management of the search.

Search and Rescue dog teams have joined
in the search for Austin Bohanan.

Six search teams today are traversing densely vegetated steep slopes within the 6,700-acre search area. A five-member team will camp overnight in one of the more remote sections to maximize search capabilities.

Community members have been graciously supplying resources, such as food and water, to assist with the search effort. “The outpouring of support from the local community has been tremendous,” said incident commander Steve Spanyer. “Searchers now have an abundant supply of provisions and the teams are very appreciative of the support.” Though the support is much appreciated, at this time no additional support is needed. 

Bohanan, missing since Friday, August 11, was reportedly last seen hiking off-trail in the remote southwest corner of the park on the evening of Friday, August 11. He was reported missing at approximately 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, to the park’s Emergency Communication Center. Coordinated search efforts have been underway since Monday, August 14.

Members of the community have donated supplies to help searchers.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service

-----

Cynthia Clark/Smoky Mountain Post

The search for 18-year-old Austin Bohanan, reportedly missing in the Smokies for 11 days, continues today with additional resources joining in the search, according to Great Smoky Mountains National Park spokesperson Jamie Sanders.

Three teams were out yesterday searching for Bohanan on the day of the eclipse and searchers are "reorganizing today and getting plans together" for the continuing effort to locate the missing teen, who reportedly went missing during a hike with his stepfather on Friday, Aug. 11, and was reported missing on the evening of Sunday, Aug. 13. Bohanan reportedly was hiking near Chilhowee Lake in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's remote southwest corner. Searchers are combing through a 6,700-acre search area covered with dense vegetation.

Searchers include three teams comprised of 24 trained individuals from the National Park Service, Backcountry Unit Search and Rescue (BUSAR), Blount County Sheriff’s Office, and Blount Special Operations Response Team (BSORT). Sanders said additional resources will include State Park Rangers. More information will be available later in the day.

Dense vegetation and blowdowns from previous storms make the search for Austin Bohanan a painstaking process
for Search and Rescue team members. (Photo courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains National Park)