Weather hampers search for missing NE Ga hiker

The search continues for a man who disappeared while hiking on the Appalachian Trail in north Georgia. Eddie Noonkster was last seen heading off in Dawson County last Friday afternoon.

From WSB TV…

There is a multi-agency search underway for a missing hiker in Dawson County.

More than 50 people have met over the last two days to help look for Eddie Noonkester, who disappeared Friday.

Friends told Dawson County emergency officials that Noonkester started hiking the Appalachian Trail Friday when he became disoriented and contacted his friend.

That friend then called the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office for help.

“Yesterday at approximately 1 p.m., Hike Inn staff over at the lodge located some of Eddie’s personal effects on the Hike Inn Trail. Those personal effects have been verified by family members,” Dawson County Fire Chef Danny Thompson said.

Thompson said they were able to ping Noonkester’s cellphone and that is where crews are focusing their search. They have not been able to ping his phone since.

The fire chief said the search is area is very large and crews have had some weather challenges over the last few days that are making it much harder to find Noonkester.

“When we briefed our searchers this morning, we said, 'Look the big concern today is slips, trips and falls; losing your footing out there with these wet conditions that we currently have and bouts of heavy downpours. The fog on the mountain will move in at times and you’ll have zero visibility,'” Thompson said.

The Sheriff's Office said it needs volunteers who are experienced hikers to help in the search for Noonkester.

Anyone who is able to help, is asked to email Dawson County Search and Rescue at DCSAR@dawsoncounty.org. Please include your name, contact information, experience level with hiking and what your availability is to help with the search.