A hiker from Houston, Texas, has been found dead in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park days after he went missing, his family announced. Sahil Jilani, 24, disappeared on October 5, prompting a search that located his vehicle and belongings near Abrams Falls.
Dive teams recovered Jilani's body from the water on October 8. His family believes he drowned after being caught in strong hydraulic currents near the waterfall, which plunges approximately 25 feet into a deep pool. According to a fundraiser organized by his sister, Asma Jilani Bustamante, these currents can trap swimmers.
Loved ones grew concerned when Jilani failed to check in and his location sharing stopped in an area with no cell service. "We were advised to be patient, as hikers and campers frequently lose contact in areas without network coverage," Bustamante wrote. "But as the hours passed, our fear grew, and we continued requesting help. Sahil knew how much his silence and unavailable location would worry us."
His car was found in a parking lot, and his phone, keys, and clothes were later recovered near the falls. An official cause of death has not yet been released.
The National Park Service warns that the Great Smoky Mountains do not have lifeguarded swimming areas and advises against swimming and tubing. The park also cautions against climbing on waterfalls, noting that slippery algae on rocks has led to serious injuries and fatalities. Several trails and backcountry areas in the park had been temporarily closed previously due to an increase in black bear sightings.
