Missing man, 21, found dead in Great Smokey National Park

Authorities found the body of 21-year-old Ryan Lakes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park after a multi-day search.

Lakes had been reported missing on September 18.

He was last seen wearing dark shorts, a dark T-shirt, brown tennis shoes, and carrying a black backpack.

His body was discovered in the Big Creek area, a secluded forest near the North Carolina-Tennessee border, on September 22, USA Today has reported.

Officials said no foul play is suspected, and the cause of death is under investigation.

read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/09/23/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-officials-confirm-death-of-man/86316867007/

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