A Tennessee teenager last seen hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park more than a week ago was found Tuesday afternoon after he walked out of the park on his own, according to multiple reports.
Austin Bohanan, 18, was last seen hiking off-trail in the park's remote southwest corner on Aug. 11, WLOS reported. He was reported missing around 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 13.
Details of Bohanan’s disappearance were not immediately available.
"I think the focus is clearly on reuniting Austin with his family and his health," park spokeswoman Dana Soehn told the Knoxville News Sentinel on Tuesday. "We are all anxious to learn about his 11-day ordeal."
National Park Service spokeswoman Jamie Sanders told The Associated Press that Bohanan appeared to be in good condition on Tuesday.
He was taken to Blount Memorial Hospital and later discharged, according to WATE.
Authorities from multiple agencies scoured the park after Bohanan went missing while on a hike with his stepfather, according to the AP.
Bohanan’s great-uncle, Clifton Hearon, told the wire service that it wasn’t unusual for Bohanon to “go camping and spend a day or two alone.”
About the Author
