Danny Ray Hall, 57, was dropped off by his long-term girlfriend on Sam Beaty Road on October 14, 2017, to hunt ginseng in woods he reportedly knew since childhood. Dressed in a t-shirt, blue jeans and black and camouflage-print boots and carrying a backpack, he entered the forest and did not return. His girlfriend reported him missing three days later; she had earlier called 911 six hours after he entered the woods saying she had a bad feeling.

Nearly a month passed before an extensive search was mounted. K9 teams, aerial searches and ground teams worked the steep terrain, but storms and heavy rain repeatedly interrupted efforts. Initial tracking dogs followed animal scents; later a cadaver dog was used. Searchers found Hall’s hat near a candy wrapper and, miles away, his backpack. A hunter reported seeing him about a mile into the forest. A search and rescue captain said Hall likely did not get lost but may have had a medical emergency or accident.

No further leads have been reported. If anyone knew Danny’s usual routes, habits in that area, or saw him around Sam Beaty Road in October 2017, please come forward with information.