Missing Texas hiker found dead at Abrams Falls in Great Smoky Mountains, family says

A 24-year-old Houston man who disappeared while visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park was found dead in the water at Abrams Falls, his family said, according to a WVLT report distributed by Gray News and carried by outlets including Cleveland 19, 1011 Now, KCRG and WALB.

Park officials said Sahil Jilani was last seen at about 8 p.m. on a Monday at Riverstone Campground in Townsend, Tennessee, WVLT reported. His car was located two days later at the Abrams Falls trailhead.

According to the family, divers recovered his body from the water at the falls the following day. His phone, keys and clothing were also found nearby, the report said.

Official findings on how he died had not been released. Relatives believe he drowned after being pulled into strong currents near the waterfall, WVLT reported.

His sister, Asma Jilani Bustamante, said the family sought help on the day he went missing because their mother sensed something was seriously wrong. She told the station that her brother routinely checked in and that his shared location stopped updating in an area without cell coverage.

"We requested a welfare check from rangers the next day, but were told hikers often lose service," Bustamante said, according to WVLT. She said the family continued to press for help as their concern grew. The report did not include a response from park officials on the family's account.

Bustamante described her brother as generous and caring, saying he hoped to help his mother retire and support his father's dental care, and that he had recently become an uncle.

The family is seeking donations to return his body to Houston and to cover related expenses, including care for his mother, who Bustamante said was hospitalized after his death.

Relatives also said they want to raise awareness about water safety. Bustamante urged visitors to obey warning signs, tell others about their travel plans, prepare for areas without cell service and consider carrying satellite communication devices in remote places.

"If his story saves even one life, his memory will continue to protect others," she said, as reported by WVLT.

Compiled by True News from reporting by Cleveland 19, 1011 Now, KCRG and WALB. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/56