Search intensifies for 67-year-old hiker missing on Appalachian Trail

TO A 67-year-old Texas man went missing last Tuesday during what was supposed to be a day hike to the top of Blood Mountain in Georgia.

The missing hiker, Charles Hosch, is an attorney and law professor at Southern Methodist University in Texas. Family members have described him as a former Eagle Scout and an experienced hiker who completed the trail he disappeared from numerous times.

Relatives and his law firm, Hosch & Morris, have been closely involved in efforts to locate Hosch.

«Charles is a creature of habit,» he wrote. Hosch and Morris in an update on the search. «We believe he intended to go down Blood Mountain but got lost. This information is helping search teams focus their efforts on the most likely path Charles would have taken on his return trip. We will bring him home.»

Hosch began his hike from the Byron Herbert Reece trailhead on November 11. After he did not return as planned, a search began the next day and has since expanded to include more than 10 agencies, as well as canine and aviation units, according to the Union County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office.

According to the Hosch & Morris website, «a credible source reported seeing Charles and having a conversation with him descending from the summit of Blood Mountain on Tuesday, November 11 at 1:30 pm.»

Hosch is 6’1″, weighs approximately 200 pounds, has white hair and glasses. He was last seen wearing khaki pants, a camel-colored sweater, and a dark green jacket.

The terrain around Blood Mountain is rugged and at this time of year the area can experience sub-zero temperatures. Union County Sheriff Shawn Dyer told a Dallas media outlet that temperatures around Blood Mountain dropped to the 20s the night Hosch disappeared.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with relevant information to contact the Emergency Operations Center at (706) 439-6091 or dial 911 if you are in Union County. The agency specifically appealed to local hunters who have hunting cameras in the area. “The trail camera footage could provide critical information to help Charles return home. “Time is critical.”

Additionally, officials are asking the public to avoid the Byron Herbert Reese Trailhead Parking Area and Walasi-Yi Center/Mountain Crossings Parking Area For the time being. “Both locations are experiencing severe congestion and limited parking, restricting access for emergency services.” the sheriff’s office said in a Nov. 14 update.

«We remain grateful for the heroic efforts, compassion, professionalism and continued dedication of all search and rescue personnel and the tremendous support of the community, our friends, families and many others who have offered their support,» Hosch & Morris said of the stepped-up search efforts.

Featured image: Missing person notice for Charles Hosch (left); photo showing what Hosch was last seen wearing (right)

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