The mysterious disappearance of a 34-year-old hiker in Tennessee's rugged wilderness has taken an unsettling turn after his final Facebook message was revealed to friends moments before he vanished.
Christopher 'Chris' Bostwick, from New York, sent a simple yet chilling four-word update on February 28th that read: "I'm in the mountains." The message, which seemed innocuous at the time, has since become the last known communication from the experienced hiker.
The Disappearance
Bostwick was last seen on February 27th in Sevier County, Tennessee, near the entrance to the vast Great Smoky Mountains National Park. According to authorities, he was driving a distinctive 2006 grey Honda Element with New York registration plates when he vanished.
The National Park Service has confirmed they're leading the search operation, combing through the challenging terrain of one of America's most visited national parks. The investigation has revealed that Bostwick sent his final Facebook message the day after he was last physically seen.
Growing Concerns
Friends and family have expressed increasing alarm as days pass without contact from Bostwick, who is described as an avid outdoorsman. The timing of his Facebook message suggests he was already deep in the wilderness when he sent it, raising concerns about his preparedness for changing conditions in the mountains.
"The fact that he specifically mentioned being in the mountains, combined with the time that has passed since anyone heard from him, is very worrying," said a family spokesperson. "We're praying for his safe return."
The Search Intensifies
Search and rescue teams have been facing challenging conditions in the Great Smoky Mountains, where weather can change rapidly and terrain becomes treacherous quickly. The park spans over 500,000 acres across Tennessee and North Carolina, containing some of the highest peaks in the Appalachian Mountains.
Authorities are urging anyone who might have seen Bostwick or his vehicle between February 27th and 28th to come forward. The distinctive grey Honda Element with New York plates remains a key focus of the investigation.
As the search enters another day, friends continue to share his photo across social media platforms, hoping someone might have information that could lead to his whereabouts. The mysterious circumstances surrounding his disappearance have left both investigators and loved ones searching for answers in the vast Tennessee wilderness.
