Divers Recover Missing Hiker Sahil Jilani at Abrams Falls

A search for 24-year-old Sahil Jilani of Houston, Texas, ended in tragedy when dive teams recovered his body from the water at Abrams Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Thursday, Oct. 8. His family believes he drowned after encountering powerful currents near the waterfall, although officials have not publicly confirmed the cause of death.

According to the National Park Service, Jilani was last seen at Riverstone Campground in Townsend, Tennessee, at approximately 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5. Authorities discovered his vehicle at the Abrams Falls trailhead on Wednesday, Oct. 7. His phone, keys and clothing were subsequently found near the falls, according to his family.

Asma Jilani Bustamante, his sister, said the family sought assistance after their mother became concerned when Jilani stopped checking in. The family initially struggled to determine his whereabouts because his location-sharing information stopped updating in an area with limited cellular service.

"Mom felt something was terribly wrong. He never went hours without checking in, but his location sharing stopped in a dead zone. We requested a welfare check from rangers the next day, but were told hikers often lose service. We kept requesting help as our fear grew," Bustamante said.

The family has since requested financial assistance to cover the costs of bringing Jilani's body back to Houston, funeral expenses not covered by insurance, and medical care for their mother, who was hospitalized after learning of his death. The family also hopes to fund grief counseling and promote awareness of dangerous water conditions.

In a separate statement, Bustamante described her brother as a generous person who had made plans to support their parents and spend time with his young niece.

"With heavy hearts, we share the loss of our beloved brother, Sahil Jilani... Sahil was a pure, kind, generous soul who always cared for others. He dreamed of helping Mom retire, taking on her bills and helping Dad with dental procedures.

A new uncle, he couldn’t wait to spoil his niece and teach her martial arts and self-defense. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void," Bustamante said.

In an earlier announcement about the search, Bustamante said the family was devastated by the outcome and asked others to respect their privacy as they grieved.

"With extremely heavy hearts, we share the news that the search for Sahil has ended, and he has passed away. Please keep our family in your prayers and respect our privacy as we navigate this unimaginable loss," Bustamante wrote.

Bustamante believes strong underwater currents contributed to the fatal incident. She described the conditions around Abrams Falls as particularly hazardous because of the waterfall's force and the depth of its plunge pool.

"Many people do not realize that Abrams Falls has a documented history of severe drowning hazards the immense pressure of the waterfall and the 25-foot depth of the plunge pool create undercurrents so powerful that rescue becomes nearly impossible, even with many people nearby to help," Bustamante wrote.

She also emphasized that the incident should serve as a warning about the risks posed by natural waterways, even to people who feel confident around water.

"Sahil was always looking out for others, and we know he would want his story to serve as a vital warning about how deceptive and dangerous natural waters can be," Bustamante wrote.

Bustamante said her brother had hoped to help their mother retire, assume more of the family's financial responsibilities and assist their father with dental procedures. She added that he had recently become an uncle and looked forward to sharing his interest in fitness and self-defense with his niece.

"He hoped to help our mother retire within a few years, take over financial responsibilities, and help our father with his dental procedures," Bustamante said.

She also described his excitement about becoming an uncle and spending time with his niece.

"Having recently become an uncle, he was beyond excited to spoil his little niece with gifts and teach her mixed martial arts and self-defense, sharing his passion for fitness," Bustamante said.

Reflecting on his plans for the future, she said his death had left the family facing an immeasurable loss.

"He had so many plans to care for those he loved. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts," Bustamante said.

While awaiting official findings, the family continues to believe that Jilani drowned after being caught in the water's powerful currents.

"While we await official reports, we believe Sahil tragically drowned after becoming caught in powerful hydraulic currents near the waterfall," Bustamante wrote.

She urged visitors to take posted warnings seriously and prepare for limited communication in remote areas. Her recommendations included sharing travel plans and considering satellite communication devices when hiking in places without reliable cellular coverage.

"Beauty can turn deadly in an instant. Please heed warning signs, especially where lives have been lost. Share travel plans, prepare for cellular dead zones and consider carrying a satellite communication device in remote areas," Bustamante said.

She further warned that swimming ability does not eliminate the danger posed by strong currents.

"Being a strong swimmer does not make you immune to these dangers. What appears beautiful and peaceful can turn deadly in the blink of an eye," Bustamante said.

Bustamante said the family hopes to honor Jilani by helping prevent similar tragedies and raising awareness about hazardous water conditions.

"I am determined to honor Sahil by helping save lives. If his story saves even one life, his memory will continue to protect others," Bustamante said.

She also emphasized that leaving dangerous water is preferable to risking a fatal accident.

"An upset or disappointed loved one who turns back from dangerous water is infinitely better than a deceased one," Bustamante said.

The National Park Service had not publicly confirmed Jilani's death or released final findings on the circumstances surrounding the incident in the reports published through Oct. 12, 2026.