A 73-year-old hiker who had gone missing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was found deceased over the weekend, according to the National Park Service.
Ann Houghton was discovered on Sunday, after being reported missing the day before. She had planned a hike in the park from January 28-29, but her whereabouts became unclear when her car was located at the Smokemont Campground, officials stated.
Search efforts by local law enforcement and rescue teams began on February 1, focusing on the Smokemont area, especially the Bradley Fork, Chasteen Creek, Hughes Ridge, and Enloe Creek trails.
Houghton, a resident of Jackson County, North Carolina, had volunteered with the park for over 20 years. In 2022, she was nominated for the National Park Service’s George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service.
“Ann was a cherished member of our Smokies community. A dedicated volunteer and passionate hiker, she shared her love for the park with many visitors,” said Charles Sellars, acting superintendent of the park. “Our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
The cause of Houghton’s death is still being investigated, but there is no suspicion of foul play, according to NPS spokesperson Katie Liming.
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