DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — Searchers Wednesday (Feb 19) located the body of 60-year-old Eddie Noonkester, who was reported missing Friday while hiking on the Appalachian Trail.

More than 200 staff personnel from 25 agencies and volunteers searched the treacherous terrain tirelessly through several downpours for four days looking for the North Carolina man.

The search had to be called off Tuesday evening when another downpour and lightning struck the area. The search resumed Wednesday and the body was located near Cochran falls in the afternoon.

The body was found at approximately 2:28 p.m. Wednesday approximately one mile southwest of mile marker 3 hike in trail.

Dawson County EMS Director Danny Thompson said foul play is not suspected, but the body will be transported to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsy.

“I can’t thank the men and women enough for searching and assisting in the recovery effort. They made every effort to bring him home to his family.”

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