The search continues for four missing hikers at Kaiser Head State Park in South Carolina, after a 14-year-old girl called 911 Monday night saying she and her family members were missing for about three hours. The missing persons have been identified as Tonda Michelinie, her 14-year-old granddaughter Melody Bangs and two younger siblings, Michael Lawton, 11, and Kevin, known as Dale Moser, 9.
What happened:
On Monday evening, a missing group of hikers in the Raven Cliff Falls area of Caesars Head State Park contacted authorities after they failed to return to their vehicle. In the distress call, the 14-year-old said he, his siblings and their grandmother were lost and couldn’t find their way back. This resulted in immediate search response.
Search efforts continue:
A massive search operation involving over 50 personnel has been launched to trace the missing family. The team includes deputies, park rangers, SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) agents and members of the SC National Guard. They are combing the rugged terrain of the park in search of the missing hikers.
The search effort is being supported by advanced technology, including helicopters and drones, to help cover inaccessible areas of the park. Authorities also confirmed that a white Nissan matching the description of the family’s vehicle was parked at the Raven Cliff Falls trailhead, which helped narrow down possible locations where the hikers could have been.
Community and official response:
The disappearance of the missing family has led to an outpouring of support from local authorities and the community. Officials have stressed that the search will continue until all members are located and brought to safety. The search is made more challenging due to the state park’s difficult and often steep terrain, which can make navigation and visibility challenging even with the use of helicopters and drones.
what happens next:
Authorities are asking anyone who may have information or may have seen the family in the area to come forward and assist in search efforts. The community is urged to remain vigilant as the search continues, with the hope that the missing hikers will soon be found safely.
As the search continues, all eyes are on the efforts of first responders, with everyone hoping for the safe and timely return of the missing family.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
