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Authorities: search for missing AT hiker continues into fourth day
A-Missing hiker pic 1.jpg
Eddie Noonkester.

The search for Eddie Noonkester, an Appalachian Trail hiker who was last heard from on Sunday, is continuing in its fourth day.

According to Dawson County Public Relations Specialist Laura Fulcher, the search for Noonkester was called off Tuesday afternoon due to weather conditions including lightning in the area. The search resumed at 8 a.m., Feb. 19 at Amicalola Falls State Park.

Several state and county agencies have joined Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services and the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office in the search including Forsyth County Fire, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, Gilmer County Fire, Georgia State Defense Force, DNR search and rescue teams, DNR law enforcement teams, Fannin County Fire, Georgia Search and Rescue Task Force 6, Fayette County K9 teams and the Georgia State Patrol Aviation unit.

“Between all the agencies, we have approximately 130 staff/personnel actively searching this morning for Mr. Noonkester,” Fulcher said in an email.

Noonkester is an approximately 60 year old white male, standing at 5’10’’ and weighing approximately 200 pounds with gray hair and gray goatee.

Authorities ask that if you see someone matching Noonkester’s description to call the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office’s nonemergency number (706) 344-3636.

Civilians requesting to volunteer with search efforts are asked to email DCSAR@dawsoncounty.org with the following information: name, contact information, hiking ability and availability.

“We are monitoring that email address and should the need arise for volunteers we will reach out to those who have the qualifications we are looking for at that time,” Fulcher said. “Again, we are not asking for volunteers at this time to assist in the search efforts.”

 

This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.