Just after 6:00 p.m. MDT on August 14, 2025, a chilling report emerged from Montana’s Glacier National Park: Mark Zuckerberg, the billionaire co-founder of Meta Platforms, and his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, have vanished following a catastrophic hiking accident during a weekend getaway. The couple, known for their low-key adventures and deep commitment to philanthropy, were last seen embarking on a challenging trail near Bearhat Mountain. A sudden loss of contact with their group, coupled with signs of a possible avalanche or rockslide, has sparked a massive search-and-rescue operation. As authorities scramble to locate the couple, whose whereabouts remain unknown, the world watches with bated breath, wondering if the tech titan and his pediatrician-philanthropist wife will return safely.

The incident unfolded in the rugged terrain of Glacier National Park, a sprawling 1,600-square-mile wilderness known for its breathtaking vistas and treacherous conditions. Zuckerberg, 41, and Chan, 40, arrived in Montana on Friday for a rare weekend retreat, a chance to unplug from their high-pressure lives running Meta and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI). The couple, married since 2012, has a history of enjoying outdoor adventures, notably hiking Mount Katahdin in Maine for their fifth anniversary in 2017. This time, they chose the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, a moderately strenuous 2.7-mile round-trip path offering panoramic views of alpine lakes and towering peaks. Accompanied by a small group of friends and a local guide, the couple set out early Saturday morning, equipped with standard hiking gear and satellite phones for emergencies.

According to initial reports from park rangers, the group was last heard from around 2:30 p.m. when their guide radioed to confirm they were nearing the overlook. Weather conditions were clear, with temperatures in the mid-60s and no immediate signs of danger. However, at approximately 3:15 p.m., a distress signal from one of their satellite devices was detected, followed by silence. Park officials suspect a sudden environmental event—possibly a localized avalanche, rockslide, or cliff fall—may have struck the trail, which is notorious for loose shale and steep drop-offs. A hiker on a nearby trail reported hearing a “loud rumble” around the same time, followed by a cloud of dust rising from the Bearhat Mountain area. Search teams found scattered gear, including a backpack believed to belong to Chan, but no sign of the couple or their companions.

The disappearance of Zuckerberg and Chan has sent shockwaves through the tech world and beyond. Zuckerberg, worth an estimated $170 billion, is a polarizing figure whose leadership of Meta has reshaped global communication, while Chan, a pediatrician and co-CEO of CZI, is lauded for her work in education and healthcare. Their three daughters—Maxima (9), August (7), and Aurelia (2)—are reportedly with family in California, unaware of the unfolding crisis. The couple’s sudden absence, especially in such perilous circumstances, has ignited a media frenzy, with hashtags like #FindZuckerberg and #PrayForPriscilla trending on X. Posts range from heartfelt pleas for their safety to wild conspiracies suggesting foul play tied to Zuckerberg’s business dealings or political influence.

Montana’s search-and-rescue teams, bolstered by federal support, have mobilized helicopters, drones, and thermal imaging to comb the vast park. The operation is complicated by the area’s rugged terrain, dense forests, and resident grizzly bears, which pose additional risks. Governor Greg Gianforte, who praised first responders after a recent plane crash in Kalispell, issued a statement: “Our hearts are with Mark, Priscilla, and their loved ones. Every resource is being deployed to bring them home.” The National Park Service has closed the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail and issued warnings about unstable conditions, urging other hikers to avoid the area.

Details about the couple’s trip are sparse, but sources close to them say it was planned as a brief escape before Zuckerberg’s upcoming testimony before Congress on Meta’s AI policies. The couple, known for their hands-on philanthropy through CZI, which has pledged billions to education and health initiatives, often seeks solace in nature. Chan, whose parents fled Vietnam as refugees, has spoken about finding peace in the outdoors, a contrast to her demanding role managing CZI’s $700 million annual budget. Their 2017 Maine hike, where they met with millworkers and locals, reflected their desire to connect with communities beyond Silicon Valley. This time, however, their adventure took a harrowing turn.

Speculation about the accident’s cause is rife. Glacier National Park has seen 10 fatalities since 2010, including three in 2024 alone, often due to falls or avalanches. The Hidden Lake trail, while popular, has narrow sections with sheer cliffs dropping hundreds of feet. A ranger noted that recent heavy rains may have loosened rocks, increasing the risk of slides. Others wonder if the couple strayed off-trail, a common mistake among even experienced hikers. Zuckerberg, known for his analytical mind, and Chan, described as “steady and resilient” by friends, are not novice adventurers, making their prolonged silence all the more alarming.

The incident has drawn parallels to other high-profile disappearances, including the recent panic over Elon Musk’s son X Æ A-Xii, who vanished briefly from an Austin preschool on August 14 before being found safe hours later. Unlike that case, which resolved quickly, Zuckerberg and Chan’s situation remains dire, with no confirmed sightings. The tech community is reeling, especially given Zuckerberg’s recent controversies, including scrutiny over Meta’s data practices and his public feud with Musk, who survived a plane crash just days ago. Some X users have speculated—without evidence—that the timing of these events is suspicious, pointing to the billionaires’ rivalries. Others focus on the human toll, with one user writing, “Mark and Priscilla are parents first. Their girls need them home.”

Chan’s background adds a poignant layer to the story. Born to Chinese-Vietnamese immigrants, she overcame bullying and financial hardship to become a Harvard-educated pediatrician. Her work with disadvantaged children, inspired by a tutoring program where she encountered gang violence, led to CZI’s focus on equity. Her resilience, honed by translating for her non-English-speaking grandparents and navigating a predominantly Irish community in Massachusetts, has made her a beloved figure. Zuckerberg, meanwhile, has evolved from a hoodie-wearing coder to a philanthropist, though his decisions, like commissioning a 7-foot statue of Chan in 2024, have sparked debate. Their shared commitment to giving away 99% of their Meta shares through CZI underscores their desire to leave a legacy beyond wealth.

As night falls in Montana, the search intensifies. Rescuers are working against fading daylight and dropping temperatures, which could dip into the 40s. Hypothermia is a concern if the couple is stranded without shelter. Volunteers from nearby Kalispell have joined the effort, and Meta employees have launched a private fund to support the search. President-elect Donald Trump, whom Musk has supported, posted on X: “Praying for Mark and Priscilla. America’s innovators must be safe.” The message, while supportive, has reignited debates about Zuckerberg’s political neutrality.

The couple’s fate remains uncertain, but their story resonates deeply. For Zuckerberg, who built a social network connecting billions, the irony of being disconnected in the wilderness is stark. For Chan, whose life has been defined by helping others, the possibility of needing rescue is a cruel twist. Their three daughters, their philanthropy, and their global influence hang in the balance. As the world awaits news, the question echoes: will Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan emerge from the wild, or has tragedy struck one of tech’s most powerful couples?