UPDATE:
Sevier County, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – A days-long search for a missing Texas man in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has ended in tragedy.
The family of Sahil Jilani, 24, confirmed that divers recovered his body from the waters of Abrams Falls after he disappeared earlier this month.
According to family members, Jilani was last seen around 8 p.m. on Oct. 5 at the Riverstone Campground in Townsend. Park officials previously said he was reported missing after failing to return or contact loved ones. His vehicle was later located at the Abrams Falls trailhead on Oct. 7, intensifying search efforts in the area.
Family members said divers found Jilani’s body in the water on Oct. 8. While official findings are still pending, relatives believe he drowned after becoming trapped in the powerful currents near the waterfall.
In a statement shared with WVLT News, Jilani’s sister, Asma Jilani Bustamante, described her brother as a kind, generous person devoted to helping his family. She said he had hoped to help his mother retire, support his father with medical expenses and spend time with his newborn niece.
Bustamante said the family became concerned shortly after Jilani disappeared because he regularly checked in with loved ones and suddenly stopped sharing his location.
“Mom felt something was terribly wrong,” Bustamante said. “He never went hours without checking in, but his location sharing stopped in a dead zone.”
Following her brother’s death, Bustamante is urging visitors to respect warning signs and understand the dangers that can exist around waterfalls and swift-moving water.
“Beauty can turn deadly in an instant,” she said. “Please heed warning signs, especially where lives have been lost.”
She also encouraged travelers heading into remote areas to share their plans with family members, prepare for areas without cell service and consider carrying satellite communication devices in case of emergencies.
The family has launched an effort to help cover expenses related to Jilani’s funeral, transportation back to Houston, medical care for his hospitalized mother and grief counseling services. They also hope to promote water safety awareness in his memory.
Officials have not yet released an official cause of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.
ORIGINAL STORY: Townsend, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – A search operation is underway in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park after a Texas man was reported missing.
Park officials said 24-year-old Sahil Jilani was last seen around 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, at Riverstone Campground in Townsend. Authorities became concerned after Jilani could not be located, leading to an investigation by park personnel.
According to the National Park Service, Jilani’s vehicle was discovered Wednesday at the Abrams Falls Trailhead, a popular hiking destination within the park. The discovery prompted search efforts in the area as rangers work to determine his whereabouts.
Jilani is described as being 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing approximately 140 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes and is a resident of Texas.
Park officials have not released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, nor have they said whether he was hiking alone.
Searchers continue to focus efforts in and around the Abrams Falls area while investigators seek information that could help locate Jilani.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts millions of visitors each year, and officials routinely remind hikers and campers to inform others of their travel plans and remain prepared for changing conditions in the backcountry.
Anyone with information about Sahil Jilani’s whereabouts is urged to contact Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials by email.
Key Facts
- Missing person: Sahil Jilani, 24, of Texas
- Last seen: Around 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5
- Location last seen: Riverstone Campground in Townsend
- Vehicle found: Wednesday at the Abrams Falls Trailhead
- Description: 5’9″, 140 pounds, black hair, brown eyes
- Search efforts are ongoing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Anyone with information is asked to contact park officials.
