The search for a missing 21-year-old man, Ryan Lakes, concluded tragically as officials in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park confirmed he was found deceased. According to WSMV, Lakes' body was discovered in the Big Creek area of the park at approximately 2:45 p.m. Sunday.
Ryan Lakes had been missing since the prior Thursday when he was seen for the last time in Nashville, his vehicle later located by park authorities on Saturday and there were several law enforcement agencies contributing to the search including the 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, and BUSAR Search and Rescue as indicated by the National Park Service. The collaborative search efforts spanned several days, involving extensive resources and numerous search teams striving to locate the young man.
Tennessee local news outlet WBIR reported that Lakes was last seen wearing dark colored gym shorts, a dark shirt, brown tennis shoes, and he was carrying a black backpack. Standing at 5′5″ tall and weighing approximately 130 pounds, Lakes was described as a white male with brown hair and hazel eyes.
While the circumstances surrounding Lakes' disappearance and death remain unclear, the sad news has been communicated by Park rangers who have been at the forefront of the investigation since Lakes was reported missing, as per WYFF4, they continue to look into the incident with details to be provided as they become available, this incident stands as a somber reminder of the unpredictability and potential dangers that can be associated with national parks despite their beauty and allure for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
