Yellowstone National Park South Entrance, Yellowstone visitation

Concessionaire Employee Gone Missing While Swimming in Yellowstone River

A seasonal concessionaire employee has gone missing in Yellowstone National Park while swimming.

Feiyang “Isaac” Xiang, a 21-year-old man from China, was backpacking with four friends in the northern part of the Park. On Thursday, July 23, around 11:45 a.m. while swimming with two friends near the confluence of Hellroaring Creek and Yellowstone River, he was swept away by the current. Attempts to retrieve Xiang were unsuccessful.

Reportedly struggling to stay afloat, Xiang was seen drifting downriver toward a series of rapids before disappearing from view. One friend was able to fiend cell reception and relayed a 911 call around 12:39 p.m.

Rangers launched into action on horseback and foot, reaching the party at 2:44 p.m. No sign of Xiang was turned up Thursday.

Throughout Friday, a larger search party (comprising around 40 people—including two dog teams, 20 Yellowstone and Grand Teton employees, and a helicopter) combed the Yellowstone River looking for Xiang.

He is described as being five feet six inches tall, weighing 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone possessing information regarding Xiang’s whereabouts should immediately call Yellowstone National Park officials at 307-344-2643.

About Sean Reichard

Sean Reichard is the editor of Yellowstone Insider and author of Yellowstone Insider For Families 2017.

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