Great Smoky Mountains National Park, September 22, 2025
News Summary
A search operation is in progress for Ryan Lakes, a 21-year-old reported missing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Last seen in Nashville, TN, his vehicle was found in the park, and search teams are focusing on the Big Creek area. Parks rangers, along with various organizations, are utilizing ground and aerial resources. His family and friends are deeply concerned for his safety, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in locating him.
Gatlinburg, TN – Search Underway for Missing 21-Year-Old Ryan Lakes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A massive search is currently underway for 21-year-old Ryan Lakes, who has been reported missing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Lakes was last seen on Thursday, September 18, in Nashville, TN. His vehicle was found on September 20 in the park, prompting an extensive search effort by park rangers.
The search is focusing primarily on the Big Creek area of the park, where Lakes is believed to have been heading. Search operations are being supported by several organizations alongside the National Park Service (NPS).
Lakes is described as a 5 feet 5 inches tall white male, weighing around 130 pounds. He has brown hair and hazel eyes. At the time of his disappearance, he was last seen wearing dark-colored gym shorts, a dark-colored T-shirt, and brown tennis shoes. He was also carrying a black backpack, which may be relevant to the ongoing search.
Officials are urging anyone with information about Ryan Lakes to come forward. Individuals can reach out to the National Park Service tip line at 888-653-0009, send an email, or call 911. Information from the public could be crucial to locating Lakes and ensuring his safety.
Search Details
The search operation includes a variety of techniques deployed by the rangers and volunteer organizations. Search teams have been utilizing the park’s trails, where they are conducting ground searches and utilizing aerial resources to cover large areas efficiently.
Background on Ryan Lakes
Before his disappearance, Ryan Lakes was known for his love of the outdoors. Friends and family are concerned for his safety as the park’s terrain can be challenging. His disappearance has sparked a rallying of community support as loved ones await news of his whereabouts.
Community Response
The emotional toll on Lakes’ family and friends is significant, with many holding onto hope that he will be found soon. The local community has banded together to support the search efforts, demonstrating a strong sense of solidarity during this worrying time.
Conclusion
As the search for Ryan Lakes continues, authorities are urging vigilance and assistance from the community. His family, friends, and the entire area remain hopeful for a safe return.
FAQ
- Who is missing?
- 21-year-old Ryan Lakes is missing.
- When was Ryan last seen?
- He was last seen on Thursday, September 18, in Nashville, TN.
- When was his vehicle discovered?
- His vehicle was discovered in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on September 20.
- Where is the search concentrated?
- Rangers are conducting search efforts primarily in the Big Creek area of the park.
- Can you describe Ryan Lakes?
- Ryan Lakes is a white male, 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes.
- What was he wearing when last seen?
- He was last seen wearing dark-colored gym shorts and a dark-colored T-shirt, brown tennis shoes, and carrying a black backpack.
- How can people help in the search?
- The park is urging anyone with information about Lakes to come forward. Contact methods include calling the National Park Service tip line at 888-653-0009, sending an email, or calling 911.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Missing Person | Ryan Lakes |
| Last Seen | September 18, 2023, in Nashville, TN |
| Vehicle Found | September 20, 2023, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
| Search Area | Big Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
| Physical Description | White male, 5’5″, 130 pounds, brown hair, hazel eyes |
| Clothing Description | Dark-colored gym shorts, dark-colored T-shirt, brown tennis shoes, black backpack |
| Contact Information | National Park Service tip line: 888-653-0009 |
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News
- WATE News
- WSMV News
- Knox News
- WBIR News
- Wikipedia: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Google Search: missing 21-year-old Ryan Lakes
- Google Scholar: Great Smoky Mountains missing persons
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Great Smoky Mountains
- Google News: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Author: HERE Nashville
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