Authorities at Cuyahoga Valley National Park are actively searching for Michael Vangelas, a 42-year-old man reported missing after he was seen last Wednesday, Jan. 14, entering the park. According to Cleveland19, Vangelas was driving a white 2024 Toyota Corolla, bearing Louisiana plate N639099, which was found at the Brandywine Falls Trailhead last Friday, Jan. 16, following a snowstorm. Park rangers are now seeking any information to help locate Vangelas, who is described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with brown hair and eyes.
The National Park Service has set a dedicated tip line to gather details that might aid in locating Vangelas. In a statement obtained by FOX8, the public is asked to come forward and "call 911 or the NPS tip line at 888-653-0009" to possibly help to effectively expedite this ongoing search. Individuals can also submit tips online or via email at the addresses provided by park officials.
Rangers and a search and rescue team have been combing the park thoroughly since the discovery of Vangelas' abandoned vehicle. While officials have not released detailed information concerning the circumstances leading to Vangelas' disappearance, they continue to ask for anyone who was in the vicinity of Brandywine Falls from Jan. 14 to 16 to reach out with any observations that may be relevant.
The search efforts have been ongoing, with teams meticulously scouring the area around Brandywine Falls Trailhead where the car was discovered. In a report by News 5 Cleveland, anyone with information is encouraged to "contact the National Park Service or local authorities" to possibly provide critical assistance in the case. A photo of Vangelas, along with his vehicle, has been disseminated to the public to help in identification.
