Search and rescue teams from multiple counties in Washington State are continuing their efforts to locate Jakhobi Hale, a 21-year-old man who was last seen on May 16, 2026, heading into the mountains east of Darrington.
Hale, who stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs approximately 195 pounds, had traveled to a family member’s property east of Darrington before going into the mountains alone.
He was reported missing the following day, May 17, and search operations were launched almost immediately after.
Rescue crews have been working around the clock using every resource available. K9 units, drones, man trackers, 4×4 teams, and helicopters have all been deployed in the search.
Despite the scale of the operation and the number of teams involved, Hale has not yet been located as of the time of this report.
He was equipped with a machete, a rain jacket, and a flashlight when he was last seen. Authorities have noted that he has limited outdoor experience, which adds an extra layer of urgency to the ongoing search effort.
The terrain east of Darrington is rugged and heavily forested, with elevations that can make navigation difficult even for experienced hikers.
The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation and has asked anyone with information about Hale’s whereabouts to call 425-388-3393.
Every tip, no matter how small it may seem, could make a difference in bringing him home safely.
Beyond the search teams working in the field, the community has also rallied behind the family. The North Queens Drill Team, a group that Hale’s younger sibling is a part of, shared a post expressing their support and asking others to keep the family in their thoughts.
“Our hearts are with one of our drill family members as their older brother has been missing since Saturday,” the post read. “Search and rescue teams have been working tirelessly since Sunday to help bring him home safely.”
The outpouring of community support has been visible across social media, where people have been sharing his information and encouraging others to do the same.
His case has been added to the Missing People in America database, which is described as the largest interactive missing person database in the country. A direct link to his profile has been made available at missingpeopleinamerica.org.
The weather conditions in the Cascade Mountain range can shift quickly, and the area east of Darrington is known for its dense wilderness. Rescue officials continue to urge the public to stay alert and report anything unusual.
If you have seen Jakhobi Hale or have any information that could assist in the search, please contact the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office directly at 425-388-3393. His family and community are holding out hope that he will be found safe and returned home soon.
