Missing Texas Hiker Discovered Deceased in Smoky Mountains
WHO:
Fox News - Sahil Jilani, a 24-year-old resident of Houston, Texas.
Fox News - Jilani's family, including his mother and sister Asma Jilani Bustamante.
WHAT:
Fox News - Jilani's family announced the tragedy through an online fundraiser, stating, "It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that we share the sudden, heartbreaking loss of our beloved brother, Sahil Jilani, and the hospitalization of our mother after learning she had lost her precious son, our little angel and most beautiful gift."
Fox News - Jilani's sister Asma Jilani Bustamante organized the fundraiser and expressed concern, stating, "We were advised to be patient, as hikers and campers frequently lose contact in areas without network coverage. But as the hours passed, our fear grew, and we continued requesting help."
Fox News - The family noted that "Abrams Falls drops approximately 25 feet into a deep pool of water where hydraulic currents can pull a person underwater and trap them in recirculating water, making escape extremely difficult, even for experienced swimmers."
Fox News - Sahil Jilani was found dead three days after going missing.
Fox News - Jilani's family believes he drowned after becoming caught in powerful hydraulic currents near a waterfall.
Fox News - Jilani's body was recovered from the waters at Abrams Falls.
WHERE:
Fox News - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee.
Fox News - Abrams Falls, where Jilani was believed to have drowned.
WHEN:
Fox News - Jilani went missing on October 5.
Fox News - Jilani's car was discovered in a parking lot after he had been missing for 72 hours.
WHY:
Fox News - The National Park Service (NPS) warns that "Swimming and tubing are not recommended" in the Smoky Mountains, and "never try to climb to the top of a waterfall" due to the dangers posed by slippery rocks.
Fox News - Family members believe Jilani drowned after becoming trapped in powerful water currents.
Fox News - The family expressed concern when Jilani failed to check in and his location-sharing stopped.
HOW:
Fox News - Jilani's phone, keys, and clothes were recovered near the falls.
Fox News - The National Park Service (NPS) warns that waterfalls can have dangerous hydraulic currents that can pull a person underwater.
(UPDATED October 12, 2026 21:05 UTC)
A family is mourning the sudden loss of their beloved brother, Sahil Jilani, while his mother remains hospitalized after the tragic news. His sister, Asma Jilani Bustamante, organized an online fundraiser and expressed growing concern as they awaited help, noting that hikers often lose contact in remote areas. The National Park Service warns against swimming and tubing in the Smoky Mountains and advises against climbing waterfalls due to the dangers posed by slippery rocks.
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(UPDATED October 12, 2026 20:01 UTC)
Sahil Jilani, a 24-year-old from Houston, Texas, was found dead three days after going missing near Abrams Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains, where his family believes he drowned after being caught in powerful hydraulic currents. His belongings, including his phone, keys, and clothes, were discovered near the falls, and his family had grown concerned when he failed to check in and his location-sharing stopped. The National Park Service warns that waterfalls can have dangerous currents that can pull a person underwater, highlighting the risks associated with these natural features.