Townsend, TN -- October 10, 2026: Sahil Jilani, the 24-year-old Texas man whose disappearance prompted a search in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has died, according to his family, KHOU reported.
The family said Jilani was caught in powerful currents at Abrams Falls, according to an update published by WBIR. That account comes from the family; an independent National Park Service confirmation of the circumstances was not located during reporting.
Jilani was last seen at Riverstone Campground in Townsend, Tennessee, around 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5. His vehicle was located Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Abrams Falls trailhead, prompting park officials to issue a public appeal for information.
The original alert included two photographs of Jilani and asked visitors who might have seen him to contact park officials.
Abrams Falls is a popular destination in the Smokies, but the National Park Service warns that its scenic pool presents serious hazards. Swimming is strongly discouraged because of dangerous conditions and an undertow. The park also identifies drowning as one of its leading causes of death.