Clements was last seen around 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, hiking with her daughter on the Forney Ridge Trail about a quarter-mile from Andrews Bald when the two separated. Park officials were alerted to her disappearance that same evening and began to search the immediate area with no success. On Wednesday, they expanded the search area and called in additional personnel and continued on Thursday with about 40 trained members of the park’s Search and Rescue Team. 

Thursday night, Clingmans Dome Road was closed. Over the weekend and through press time Tuesday about 125 trained searchers and logistical support personnel from more than 30 state and local agencies in Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia participated in a search operation led by the National Park Service. Helicopters and multiple canine teams were deployed, as well as specialized search and rescue drones. 

Verizon Wireless established a mobile cell booster, which is providing critical cell and data coverage to effectively manage and support the search effort in this remote location. The closed road has been used as a landing zone for aircraft that are assisting in the search as weather permits. 

“This is unforgiving terrain, and we are working long hours to find Ms. Clements,” said Acting Chief Ranger Jared St. Clair. “We are extremely grateful for the rapid response by so many well-trained personnel and the generous support resources that our cooperators have dedicated to this search.”

Searchers have worked through rain, fog, wind and low temperatures in the 40s in this rugged region, which contains the highest point in the park and straddles two states and several counties. 

Clements is a white female with light brown hair and blue eyes. She is 5 feet, 6 inches, weighs 125 pounds and was last seen wearing a green zip-up sweater, black workout pants over black leggings, a clear rain poncho and gray Nike running shoes with light green soles. Anyone who saw Clements on Tuesday afternoon or thereafter should contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch at 1.888.653.0009, online at www.nps.gov/isb under “submit a tip,” by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Facebook message to InvestigativeServicesNPS or Twitter message to @SpecialAgentNPS .