Update: Body of missing Tennessee man found off remote trail in GSMNP, officials say

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NP, N.C. (WLOS) — UPDATE, 5:55 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5: The body of missing Tennessee man Bryce Evans was found just after 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, in a remote section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Balsam Mountain.

Park Rangers located his vehicle parked at the Balsam Mountain Trailhead near Pin Oak Gap on Heintooga Ridge Road at approximately 7:45 p.m. Thursday, August 4. Rangers then closed the road and conducted a search of the immediate area with emergency responders from the Cherokee Police and Fire Departments.

After a few hours of searching Friday, Aug. 5, emergency responders found Evans' body about 20 yards off-trail, approximately 1.5 miles from the Balsam Mountain Trailhead parking area.

Evans’ sister Analise took to social media to announce the discovery of her brother's body, writing “We would like to thank you all for your prayers during this and as we begin the process of healing.”

News 13 has been working to learn more information about Evans’ death. We’re still waiting to hear back from investigators.

No further details have been released at this time.

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The family of a missing Tennessee man told News 13 that his vehicle was found in a remote part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Thursday evening, Aug. 4.

Bryce Evans' 2017 grey Nissan Altima was found at a hiking trailhead in the park, the family said.

Evans, 24, was last seen Sunday, July 31, before traveling from Knoxville, Tennessee, to UNC Charlotte, where he has a summer internship. His phone last pinged off a cell tower in Cherokee but has since been turned off.

SEARCH UNDERWAY FOR MISSING TENNESSEE MAN WHOSE PHONE PINGED IN CHEROKEE AREA

A U.S. National Park Service spokesperson said Friday officials conducted a brief search Thursday night but suspended it due to darkness. The search began again Friday morning in the Balsam Mountain area of the park, officials said.

The Evans family said Bryce is an Eagle Scout as well as a member of the Tennessee National Guard.

According to Evans’ sister, he is an avid outdoorsman. He hikes and camps often and is a licensed EMT.

The Knoxville Police Department, Cherokee Police Department and National Park rangers are aiding in the search for Evans. All three agencies were tight-lipped Friday on the investigation into his disappearance.

This is a developing story. It will be updated as information is made available.