Men plead guilty to raping homeless men in Great Smokies, Park Service looking for other victims

The National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB) continues to seek information related to sexual assaults that may have occurred in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

On December 7, 2020, Richard L. Graham and Dusty William Oliver were sentenced for aggravated sexual abuse arising out of incidents occurring in 2012 and 2015 within the park. Investigators are seeking information related to additional incidents, if any, that would have occurred prior to their arrest on September 9, 2019.

Look Rock Tower

According to WATE-TV, documents filed in U.S. District Court in Knoxville say that a homeless man, referred to as RP, was walking along Chapman Highway while intoxicated in June 2012 when Oliver and Graham approached in a vehicle asking if he wanted a ride to the Bristol, Tenn. for the races.

RP realized once inside the vehicle that it was headed the opposite way from Bristol and the three soon arrived at a trailhead of the Appalachian Trail. The three began hiking and Oliver and Graham soon overpowered RP and raped him, according to court filings.

RP feared the two would kill him and leave him on the trail but was later dropped off by the two at a nearby gas station, according to the court documents. A rape kit was conducted at UT Medical Center.

In November 2015, another homeless man, called CN, accepted a ride from Oliver and Graham after meeting the two while walking on Chapman Highway toward Seymour, the court documents said. They stopped at Look Rock Trail and hiked to Lookout Tower where CN was raped by the two.

After the assault, Graham and Oliver dropped CN at the intersection of Alcoa Highway and Kingston Pike in Knoxville. He then walked to UT Medical Center where a rape kit was performed.

CN told investigators that they stopped at two gas stations that night. Surveillance footage from the two gas stations showed a man with tattoos on his left arm and a Jeff Dunham T-shirt which matched the description given by CN.

CN was able to photograph Graham, who was riding in the passenger seat of the car, with his phone. The photos were distributed by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office which led to the identification of Graham and Oliver.

Richard Graham (L) and Dusty Oliver

The two men were positively identified through their DNA.

The men plead guilty on Dec. 2 and the case has yet to be heard by a judge for plea acceptance and sentencing. The two men could face life in federal prison for their crimes

“I want to express my thanks to ISB investigators, park rangers, and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for their perseverance and hard work that led to the conviction and sentencing of these two men responsible for heinous crimes within the park,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “To ensure that we’ve heard the voices of all victims, investigators continue to welcome any information about additional assaults that may be associated with Graham and Oliver.”

Blount County Sheriff’s Office and Great Smoky Mountains National Park Rangers assisted ISB in the investigation.

Investigators are seeking additional information from anyone who may have been a victim of sexual assault crimes during this general time period. Respondents are asked to contact investigators through any of the following means:

CALL or TEXT the ISB Tip Line at 888-653-0009

ONLINE at www.nps.gov/isb and click “Submit a Tip”

EMAIL nps_isb@nps.gov

MESSAGE on Facebook @InvestigativeServicesNPS or Twitter @SpecialAgentNPS

--compiled reports--

Warrior, Alabama man dies from injuries sustained in fall from Chimney Tops overlook

Overlook near Chimney Tops (NPS)

A Warrior, Alabama man died Tuesday after falling from a Chimney Tops overlook in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

At 1:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, rangers responded to a Chimney Tops overlook along Newfound Gap Road after receiving a report that a man fell approximately 50 feet below the embankment.

Wesley Brandon Stedham, age 48, of Warrior, AL fell after stepping down a steep slope below the overlook for a photograph. Stedham suffered severe head trauma and passed away as a result of these injuries.

Park rangers and members of the park's technical Search and Rescue team established a rope and pulley system to reach the patient and bring him up to the overlook. No additional details are available at this time.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park announces phased reopening of some roads and trails May 9, including Cades Cove, Newfound Gap Road and Little River Road

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is increasing recreational access and services. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning May 9, the park will reopen many roads and trails. The health and safety of employees, partners, volunteers, visitors, and local residents remains the highest priority in park reopening decisions. Park managers will examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and will be regularly monitored. Park managers will also continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for all users.

Cardinal flowers blooming beside the Tipton Place.
Warren Bielenberg photo

"For this first phase, which we expect to last about two weeks, we are going to have our main roads reopened. That will include Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, Cades Cove. Those are places we feel like people will get in and experience some of the views of spring and be able to access many of the hiking trails," Dana Soehn, GSMNP spokesperson told WBIR TV.

They reported that many secondary roads and remote areas of the park will remain closed during the initial phase. Soehn said the park will release a complete list of closures with full details by Tuesday, May 5. It is likely you will not be able to initially drive to Clingmans Dome or any other roads that are normally closed during winter. Clingmans Dome also presents challenges at its observation tower, where crowding is unavoidable.

There's also a chance you may not be able to immediately drive to exterior areas of the park, including Cosby, Abrams Creek, Big Creek, and Greenbrier. At least, not in a car.
"Those roads that we don't open during the first phase will be accessible for people riding their bikes or walking in," said Soehn.

“We recognize this closure has been extremely difficult for our local residents, as well as park visitors from across the country, who seek the park as a special place for healing, exercise, recreation, and inspiration,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “We are approaching this phased reopening with that in mind, as we balance our responsibility to protect park resources and the health and safety of everyone.”

Park managers are implementing new safety measures in facility operations and services to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as areas reopen to the public. Campgrounds, picnic pavilions, visitor centers, and many secondary roads will remain closed during the first reopening phase, which is expected to last for at least two weeks. Some of these measures will include disinfectant fogging operations for restrooms and public buildings, installation of plexiglass shields at visitor centers, personal protective equipment requirements for maintenance workers, new safety protocols for emergency services staff, and reduced group size limits.

While many areas will be accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. The park typically has more than one million visitors each month, May through October, from across the country. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding, and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

For the most up to date information about facility openings, service hours, and access, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. Park rangers remain available to answer questions and help with trip planning via email or phone during business hours at (865) 436-1291, (828) 506-8620, or GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov.

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Missing hiker's body found, family issues statement

UPDATE 10/3/2018 - Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced last night that search crews found the body of Mitzie Sue “Susan” Clements, 53, from Cleves, Ohio, after an extensive, week-long search. Clements had been missing from the Clingmans Dome area of the park since Tuesday, Sept. 25. A large-scale search operation was launched, which included trained searchers, canine teams, helicopters, and drones with advanced technology from around 50 local, state, and federal agencies and professional search and rescue groups.

Searchers found Susan Clements in a heavily wooded, rugged area like the
one pictured about two miles from Clingmans Dome parking area. (NPS Photo)

Late yesterday afternoon, Clements' body was found off-trail, in a rugged, heavily wooded area of the Huggins Creek drainage, approximately two miles from Clingmans Dome parking area and three-fourths mile south of the Appalachian Trail. The cause of death is under investigation, however foul play is not suspected at this time.

 

Susan Clements, far left, was hiking with her youngest daughter
when she disappeared in the Great Smoky Mountains. (Photo from Daily Mail)

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and co-workers of Susan during this difficult time,” said park Superintendent Cassius Cash. “We are grieving with the family and hope that yesterday’s recovery helps provide some closure as they begin their own grieving process.” He added, “I am inspired by, and extremely grateful for, the tireless work of our park staff, as well as the generous assistance provided by dozens of agencies and well-trained search and rescue organizations.”

Clingmans Dome Road remains closed to allow staff time to remove the infrastructure brought in to help manage and support the search operation. The road and Clingmans Dome parking area are expected to reopen by tomorrow morning.

Clements had worked since December as an accounting technician in the administration department of the city of Cincinnati's Metropolitan Sewer District, according to a statement from the district.

Before that, she worked for UC Health and Trinity Health System, both in the Cincinnati area, according to social media posts. Cleves, the small town Clements hailed from, is about 16 miles northwest of Cincinnati, according to a report in USA Today.

Co-worker David Stephens, IT services manager for the sewer district, posted on social media, calling Clements "one of the most genuinely nice people I've ever met. Always a cheerful good morning and some small talk on her way past my office to get her daily ice water."

Susan Clements was a mother to three children, the youngest of which she was hiking with when she went missing. Her family provided this statement to share with the public:

“I want to specifically thank the National Park Service for their incredible efforts. The cooperation shown between more than 50 agencies was amazing, comforting, and very supportive. Every piece of the operation, including the scientific fronts, logistical parts, and the emotional support provided to us was very impressive."

"The children, her sisters, and I want to especially thank Jared St. Clair (Chief Ranger), Joe Pond (Incident Commander), James Latendresse (Operations Chief), and Florie Takaki (Family Liaison) for their dedication and support. We also want to thank the countless other people who helped look for Susan. This includes the ground searchers, pilots, drone operators, dog trackers, technicians, EMS providers, the many teams of tactical climbers and rescuers, and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. The kids, her sisters, and I greatly appreciate the intense work they performed for us, and we will be eternally grateful.”

An estimated 175 personnel assisted in the complex search operation of some of the most rugged terrain found in the park.

Cooperating organizations that assisted staff from Great Smoky Mountains National Park included:

• AmeriCorps
• Backcountry Unit Search and Rescue
• Black Diamond Search and Rescue
• Blount County Rescue Squad
• Blount County Special Operations Response Team
• Blue and Gray Search and Rescue Dogs
• Blue Ridge Mountain Rescue Group
• Buncombe County Rescue Squad
• Catons Chapel-Richardson Cove Volunteer Fire Department
• Cherokee Indian Police Department
• Cherokee Tribal EMS
• Christian Aid Ministries Search and Rescue
• Gatlinburg Fire Department
• Gatlinburg Police Department
• Haywood County Search and Rescue
• Henderson County Rescue Squad and EMS
• Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
• Knox County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management Agency
• Maryville Police Department
• North Carolina Emergency Management Agency
• North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
• Northview Kodak Fire Department
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• Pigeon Forge Police Department
• Sevier County Emergency Management Agency
• Sevier County Volunteer Rescue Squad
• Sevier County Sheriff’s Office
• Sevierville Police Department
• Southwest Virginia Mountain Rescue Group
• Seymour Volunteer Fire Department
• Smoky Mountain Nordic Ski Patrol
• Smoky Mountain Search and Rescue Team
• Swain County Emergency Management Agency
• Swain County Rescue Squad
• Swain County Sheriff’s Office
• Tennessee Army National Guard
• Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
• Tennessee Highway Patrol
• Tennessee Highway Patrol Rapid Response Team
• Tennessee Search and Rescue Team
• Tennessee State Parks
• The Student Conservation Association
• United States Forest Service Cherokee Hotshots
• Walden’s Creek Volunteer Fire Department
• National Park Service personnel from Blue Ridge Parkway, Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, Shenandoah National Park, and the Investigative Services Branch.

Missing woman's body found by searchers 2 miles from Clingmans Dome near Appalachian Trail

UPDATE 10/2/2018: Search crews located the body of Susan Clements in Great Smoky Mountains National Park late this afternoon. Her body was found approximately two miles west of the Clingmans Dome parking area, and 3/4 mile south of the Appalachian Trail. Our hearts are with the family and friends of Ms. Clements. The park would like to extend our appreciation to the many agencies and organizations that participated in the search effort.

Susan Clements' body has been found by searchers.
More details will be provided when they are available.

Further details will be provided when they become available.

UPDATE 10/1/2018 ... Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials are in their sixth full day of searching for Mitzie Sue “Susan” Clements, 53, who was last seen in the Clingmans Dome area of the park on Tuesday, Sept. 25. Over the weekend, the search effort intensified with the addition of personnel and specialized equipment from five states. Searchers, canine teams, helicopters, and drones are continuing to work in steep, rugged terrain of the mountainous area that straddles the North Carolina – Tennessee border.

Missing hiker Susan Clements.

As of Monday, around 125 trained searchers and logistical support personnel from more than 40 state and local agencies and search and rescue organizations are participating in the search operation led by the National Park Service. Thus far searchers have hiked over 500 miles on trails looking for Clements. In addition, experienced search personnel, canine teams, and drones with specialized search and rescue equipment have been used to conduct more intensive off-trail “grid-searches” of approximately 10 square miles.

Susan Clements was last seen on the Forney Ridge Trail approximately ¼ mile from Andrews Bald on Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 5 pm. She is a white female with light brown hair and blue eyes, is 5’6” tall, and weighs 125 pounds. She is wearing a green zip-up sweater, black workout pants over black leggings and a clear rain poncho. The Park's press release today updated the shoes she was wearing to gray Nike running shoes with light green soles.

Searchers work in steep terrain. (NPS Photo)

A number of new organizations have joined in the search in the last two days, including:

• Christian Aid Ministries Search and Rescue
• Gatlinburg Fire Department
• Haywood County Search and Rescue
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
• Tennessee Highway Patrol Rapid Response Team
• Tennesse Search and Rescue Team
• Tennessee State Parks
• United States Forest Service
• Cherokee Hotshots
• National Park Service personnel from Blue Ridge Parkway, Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, and Shenandoah National Park
• (See other participating organizations, below)

The seven-mile Clingmans Dome Road remains closed to accommodate the infrastructure needed to manage this large-scale search. There are no trail closures in effect at this time.

Clements search area. (NPS Photo)

9/30/2018 ... Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials continue to search for Mitzie Sue “Susan” Clements, 53, of Cleves, Ohio, who was last seen in the Clingmans Dome area of the park on Tuesday, Sept. 25. Trained personnel from cooperating agencies in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia have responded to assist park staff in a large-scale search effort for the missing woman in steep, rugged terrain.

Clements was hiking with her daughter on the Forney Ridge Trail, near Andrews Bald, when the two separated. She was last seen around 5:00 pm approximately ¼ mile from Andrews Bald.

Park officials were alerted that Clements was missing on Tuesday evening and began to search the immediate area with no success. On Wednesday, officials expanded the search area, and additional personnel were called in to search. Searchers spent the night on the Appalachian Trail Wednesday night, attempting to locate Clements and to interview any hikers in the area.

As of Saturday, around 125 trained searchers and logistical support personnel from more than 30 state and local agencies and search and rescue organizations are participating in the search operation led by the National Park Service.

Helicopters and multiple canine teams have been deployed for the search effort. Specialized search and rescue drones, operated by FAA-licensed pilots are being used in some areas to help search for Clements. Searchers have worked through rain, fog, wind and low temperatures in the 40s over the last several days in this mountainous region which straddles two states and several counties. Today’s forecast calls for clearer skies and drier air, a welcome change for search personnel.

By closing the seven-mile Clingmans Dome Road on Thursday night, the park was able to transform the Clingmans Dome parking area into a field “incident command post” from which to manage the complex search. Infrastructure such as tents and self-contained mobile command busses serve as portable offices for search personnel and provide a place for searchers to escape the elements, refuel, and receive instructions before heading back out to continue the search for Clements.

Verizon Wireless established a mobile cell booster, which is now providing the critical cell and data coverage needed to effectively manage and support the search effort in this remote location. Even the closed road itself has been used as a landing zone for aircraft that are assisting in the search as weather permits. Clingmans Dome Road remains closed for the duration of this critical search operation.

At this time additional volunteer searchers are not being sought, as search operations are limited to trained searchers to enable a systematic, thorough search of the area. “This is unforgiving terrain, and we are working long hours to find Ms. Clements,” said Acting Chief Ranger Jared St. Clair. “We are extremely grateful for the rapid response by so many well-trained personnel and the generous support resources that our cooperators have dedicated to this search.”

Cooperating organizations include:

• Backcountry Unit Search and Rescue
• Black Diamond Search and Rescue
• Blount County Rescue Squad
• Blount County Special Operations Response Team
• Blue and Gray Search and Rescue Dogs
• Buncombe County Rescue Squad
• Catons Chapel-Richardson Cove Volunteer Fire Department
• Cherokee Indian Police Department
• Cherokee Tribal EMS
• Gatlinburg Police Department
• Henderson County Rescue Squad and EMS
• Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
• Knox County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management Agency
• Maryville Police Department
• North Carolina Emergency Management Agency
• Northview Kodak Fire Department
• Pigeon Forge Police Department
• Sevier County Emergency Management Agency
• Sevier County Volunteer Rescue Squad
• Sevier County Sheriff’s Office
• Sevierville Police Department
• Southwest Virginia Mountain Rescue Group
• Seymour Volunteer Fire Department
• Smoky Mountain Nordic Ski Patrol
• Smoky Mountain Search and Rescue Team
• Swain County Emergency Management Agency
• Swain County Rescue Squad
• Swain County Sheriff’s Office
• Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
• Walden’s Creek Volunteer Fire Department.

Anyone who saw Clements on Tuesday afternoon or since then is asked to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch through one of the following methods: 1-888-653-0009, www.nps.gov/isb and click “submit a tip,” email nps_isb@nps.gov, or via a message on Facebook at “InvestigativeServicesNPS,” or Twitter @SpecialAgentNPS.

Missing teen reportedly hunting ginseng with his stepfather when he went missing in the Smokies

Eighteen-year-old Austin Bohanan, missing for 11 days in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, told authorities he came close to eating bugs to survive the ordeal, but only ended up drinking water. He and his stepfather, Hubert Dyer Jr., were apparently hunting for ginseng in the National Park, according to Chief Ranger Steve Kloster, who spoke at a news conference on Wednesday.

Dyer told authorities that the two were there to hunt ginseng, according to Kloster, who added that they would "look at the law enforcement component, but we’re not there right now." Taking ginseng from the National Park is illegal.

Bohanan got separated from his stepfather near the Shop Creek area on Friday, Aug. 11. His family reported that they didn't notify authorities right away because they thought they could find him. Bohanan told authorities he tried to make a cell phone call from the top of a ridge but couldn't get any service. He said he went up and down what he thinks were Tabcat Creek and Panther Creek for days trying to find his way out. He spotted boats after unsuccessfully trying to be noticed by a rescue helicopter. He was finally rescued on Tuesday, Aug. 22, when he was able to hike down to a boat and get a ride out of the Park.

Over 100 searchers from multiple agencies aggressively searched for Bohanan using ground crews, air operations, canine units, and boat operators. The teams navigated extremely steep slopes and drainages in the search area. While Bohanan appears to have remained within the search area, he was constantly moving and left little sign behind in the dense foliage.

Missing teen Austin Bohanan reunited with family after 11 days lost in the Smokies

Austin Bohanan found.

After spending 11 nights lost in the backcountry of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Austin Bohanan walked out of the woods along Panther Creek and flagged down a passing boat for help on Aug. 22 at about 2:30 p.m. He was quickly reunited with his family, who had gathered daily near the site since his disappearance. Bohanan was uninjured, but was transported by Rural Metro to Blount Memorial Hospital for assessment and then released a few hours later.

Park Rangers received some initial details as reported to them from Bohanan about his 11-day experience. He told Rangers that after becoming separated from his stepfather on Friday afternoon in the Shop Creek area, he climbed to the top of the ridge to try to make a cell phone call to his mother for help. After a few failed attempts, he attempted to follow a creek out of the woods. He believes that he followed Tabcat and Panther Creeks, both upstream and downstream, for days within the 6,700-acre search area as he tried to make his way back towards Highway 129. He was challenged by dense vegetation in the drainages and blowdowns.

“From day one, we treated the search for Austin as an emergency and appreciate the resources from across the region that came to our aid to help us actively and aggressively search through extremely tough terrain,” said Park Chief Ranger Steve Kloster. “We faced multiple challenges, including a moving target in dense conditions, but our search teams never gave up hope.”

Over 100 searchers from multiple agencies aggressively searched for Bohanan using ground crews, air operations, canine units, and boat operators. The teams navigated extremely steep slopes and drainages in the search area. At one point, Bohanan heard a search helicopter and tried to climb to a high point where he could be seen. While Bohanan appears to have remained within the search area, he was constantly moving and left little sign behind in the dense foliage.

More details regarding the total search efforts will be provided as the information is compiled.

Old Park map shows Tabcat Creek near the bottom of the map and Panther Creek going through the top right.
Austin Bohanan said he thought he was following these creeks back and forth while trying to find
Highway 129 during his 11 days lost in the Smokies.

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Austin Bohanan walks out of National Park near Tabcat Creek after being missing for 11 days, transported to hospital

Austin Bohanan walks out of Park.

On Tuesday, August 22 at approximately 2:30 p.m., Austin Bohanan walked out of the remote backcountry area near Tabcat Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bohanan was transported by Rural Metro to Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville, TN, according to the National Park Service.

No additional details are available at this time.

Efforts had ramped up today to find Bohanan, who had been missing since Friday evening, Aug. 11 after hiking near Chilhowee Lake with his stepfather.

Two search and rescue dog teams had joined 28 trained emergency responders today in the ongoing search for eighteen-year old Austin Bohanan. Rangers with Tennessee State Parks, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and Obed Wild and Scenic River joined the effort, with continuing support from Great Smoky Mountains National Park staff, Backcountry Unit Search and Rescue (BUSAR), and Blount Special Operations Response Team (BSORT) members. Additional resources with Eastern National Incident Coordination Center and Virginia’s Black Diamond Search and Rescue were also assisting with the overall management of the search.

An old Park map shows Tabcat Creek.

Waterfalls on Tabcat Creek.

Search and Rescue dog teams join search for Austin Bohanan, teen missing in Smokies for 11 days

Austin Bohanan

UPDATE: 2 p.m. Aug. 22 - Two search and rescue dog teams have joined 28 trained emergency responders in the ongoing search for eighteen-year old Austin Bohanan. Rangers with Tennessee State Parks, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and Obed Wild and Scenic River have joined the effort, with continuing support from Great Smoky Mountains National Park staff, Backcountry Unit Search and Rescue (BUSAR), and Blount Special Operations Response Team (BSORT) members. Additional resources with Eastern National Incident Coordination Center and Virginia’s Black Diamond Search and Rescue are also assisting with the overall management of the search.

Search and Rescue dog teams have joined
in the search for Austin Bohanan.

Six search teams today are traversing densely vegetated steep slopes within the 6,700-acre search area. A five-member team will camp overnight in one of the more remote sections to maximize search capabilities.

Community members have been graciously supplying resources, such as food and water, to assist with the search effort. “The outpouring of support from the local community has been tremendous,” said incident commander Steve Spanyer. “Searchers now have an abundant supply of provisions and the teams are very appreciative of the support.” Though the support is much appreciated, at this time no additional support is needed. 

Bohanan, missing since Friday, August 11, was reportedly last seen hiking off-trail in the remote southwest corner of the park on the evening of Friday, August 11. He was reported missing at approximately 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, to the park’s Emergency Communication Center. Coordinated search efforts have been underway since Monday, August 14.

Members of the community have donated supplies to help searchers.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service

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Cynthia Clark/Smoky Mountain Post

The search for 18-year-old Austin Bohanan, reportedly missing in the Smokies for 11 days, continues today with additional resources joining in the search, according to Great Smoky Mountains National Park spokesperson Jamie Sanders.

Three teams were out yesterday searching for Bohanan on the day of the eclipse and searchers are "reorganizing today and getting plans together" for the continuing effort to locate the missing teen, who reportedly went missing during a hike with his stepfather on Friday, Aug. 11, and was reported missing on the evening of Sunday, Aug. 13. Bohanan reportedly was hiking near Chilhowee Lake in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's remote southwest corner. Searchers are combing through a 6,700-acre search area covered with dense vegetation.

Searchers include three teams comprised of 24 trained individuals from the National Park Service, Backcountry Unit Search and Rescue (BUSAR), Blount County Sheriff’s Office, and Blount Special Operations Response Team (BSORT). Sanders said additional resources will include State Park Rangers. More information will be available later in the day.

Dense vegetation and blowdowns from previous storms make the search for Austin Bohanan a painstaking process
for Search and Rescue team members. (Photo courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Teams continue search for missing teen in Smokies

Austin Bohanan

Searchers continue looking for missing teen Austin Bohanan in a remote section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On Sunday, Aug. 20, searchers were working in three teams comprised of 24 trained individuals from the National Park Service, Backcountry Unit Search and Rescue (BUSAR), Blount County Sheriff’s Office, and Blount Special Operations Response Team (BSORT).

The teams continue to slowly search through areas of dense vegetation along the steep slopes found within the 6,700-acre search. Partner agencies have been providing additional support by transporting crews up navigable rivers to get crews into the backcountry more efficiently.

Search and Rescue team members are transported by
boat to get to hard-to-reach areas to continue the search
for Austin Bohanan in dense vegetation. (Photo courtesy
Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Bohanan, 18, was reportedly last seen hiking off-trail with his stepfather in the remote southwest corner of the park on the evening of Friday, Aug. 11. He was reported missing at about 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 13, to the park’s Emergency Communication Center.

They are searching in the remote southwest corner of the park near Chilhowee Lake.

Bohanan is a white male between 5’2”-5’5” feet tall, weighs between 120-150 pounds and has brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, unknown color t-shirt, and blue Nike baseball cap.

If anyone has seen Bohanan since Friday evening please call the park at (865) 436-1230.