Bulgarian man missing for 17 years found alive in Pirin National Park
In a startling discovery, a Bulgarian man who had been missing for 17 years and officially declared dead was found alive in a remote section of Pirin National Park, authorities confirmed on Friday.
The man was discovered by employees of the Pirin Park Directorate during a routine inspection of camping areas. Rangers noticed a tent pitched outside designated zones and approached the occupant, who reportedly reacted aggressively. Police were called to the scene after he was unable to produce identification.
“Upon arrival of the police officers, it was established that the person had been declared dead and that a death certificate had been issued,” said Rosen Banenski, director of Pirin National Park, speaking to Bulgaria’s BNT broadcaster. “The individual is believed to be a Bulgarian citizen, most likely from Ruse, who had been reported missing by his family years ago.”
According to officials, the man was wanted nationally and internationally in 2008, but after an unsuccessful search, he was declared dead in 2013. His tent was found in a secluded forest area, far from trails and tourist facilities — indicating he may have chosen to live in deliberate isolation.
Once his identity is fully confirmed, authorities plan to help him obtain new identification documents and will impose an administrative fine for illegal camping. Fines for such violations range from 500 to 5,000 leva (€255–€2,550).
“This case highlights both the difficulties of monitoring remote park areas and the determination of people who choose solitude,” Banenski added.
Police continue to investigate how the man managed to avoid detection for more than a decade.
Located in southwestern Bulgaria near the borders with Greece and North Macedonia, Pirin National Park spans roughly 40,000 hectares and includes the country’s second-highest peak at 2,914 meters. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, the park is known for its glacial lakes, waterfalls, caves, and dense coniferous forests, home to wildlife such as bears and wolves.
