Search and rescue crews are combing the remote wilderness for a missing Ohio mother of three who vanished while hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains with her daughter, the Knoxville News Sentinel reports.
Authorities say 53-year-old Mitzie Sue “Susan” Clements of Cleves, Ohio, was last seen on Tuesday on the Forney Ridge Trail near Andrew Bald Mountain when she became separated from her daughter.
Clements’ daughter said she had ventured ahead of her mother and had agreed to wait for her to catch up, but her mom never showed up. When the daughter realized her mother was missing, she contacted authorities.
ICYMI Additional resources being brought in to help in search. Woman missing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park since Tuesday https://t.co/AQMP5TVVZN via @asheville @GreatSmokyNPS #avlnews
— Karen Chávez (@KarenChavezACT) September 28, 2018
At least 40 people are involved for the search and have spent nights along the trail in that effort.
“They’re using all of their senses. They’re listening, they are calling the name of the missing person. We use whistles and things like that, too,” Great Smoky Mountains National Park spokeswoman Julena Campbell said.
One key concern is that Clements packed only for a day hike and may not be adequately prepared for cold night temperatures.
“We know that she was just out hiking for the day, that was the plan, so she was dressed appropriately for day hiking with just a poncho on for covering,” Campbell said.
Clements is white, about 5-feet-6-inches tall, with blue eyes and light brown hair. At the time she disappeared, Clements was wearing black pants, a green sweater, a translucent rain poncho and white shoes.
Fog and rain have been complicating search efforts, according to the newspaper. Verizon Wireless has set up a portable wireless tower to help in the search.
Anyone with information on Clements’ whereabouts is urged to call police.
[Feature Photo: Susan Clements/Handout]
