Found Deceased NC - Mitzi Sue "Susan" Clements, 53, hiker, Great Smoky Mountains NP, 25 Sept 2018

[Stunned]

White tennis shoes? Those don't sound very suitable IMO. I think she's slipped. Or, gone off trail to the toilet and got lost on her way back.
I hope they find her!

I’ve seen them in heels, maxi dresses, fully made up with their purses. We always sarcastically ask them it they are here for the wedding. Sorry, well, not sorry.

 

[Stunned]

I know in the Pisgah Forest, homeless people/families have started moving to the forests to avoid all the trouble of being on/or raising a family on the streets of Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard to other surrounding cities or communities.

 

[Steelslady]

Well that's a bit different than the other news article that states the daughter went on ahead and waited for the mom to catch up......
Still very sad and hopefully she will be found safe.
It's so easy to get lost, even while just taking a leisurely walk in the woods.

I always tell people- I can get lost walking in a straight line. For me, it would not be smart to go on a hike alone, and it's imperative that the person or people that I hike with know where the hell we're going, because this is one time I wouldn't be able to take charge of anything.

 

[Timekeeper65]

Cade’s Cove is much more than the visitor center and Mill on the back part of the loop. It is my favorite place in the Smokies. I won’t say more because it is already to overcrowded!

Ah so very true. Parsons Branch. All of it.

I’m very concerned for this woman. It’s been way too long. The nights are beginning to get chilly...

 

[Stunned]

Ah so very true. Parsons Branch. All of it.

I’m very concerned for this woman. It’s been way too long. The nights are beginning to get chilly...

It has been.... this is scary. Sigh ...Parsons beach... 7 miles from the AT!

 

[swanniee11]

I am shocked that she is still missing. Prayers to her family.

 

[Timekeeper65]

Great Smoky Mountains missing hiker search intensifies

There are several good pics with this article.

 

[Stunned]

These mountains are crawling with people this time of year. I guess this could be good or bad.

 

[Stunned]

I’m really sorry to ask this but looking at her picture has she ever had a stroke? So very sorry to ask this!

 

[pittie_mcclure]

BBM: Thanks, PM! That is really helpful info for us non-hiking aka couch potato types! So separating is common, but does increase risks....question: is there a standard sort of "safety protocol" for what hikers should do or carry with them in the event they do get separated from others and are either lost or injured?

Carrying whistles or other objects that create noise at a higher decibel is important. If you do go off trail on your own, this will help your party find you or at the very least be alerted that you are in danger and to get help immediately. Mainly, talking before ny hike and setting off with a plan that everybody will stay on trail if they are alone and will wait on the marked path until the rest of the party catches up if they need to go to the bathroom, feel sick, etc.

If people are at completely different physical levels (where some will complete and others cannot) I suggest hiking completely separately or agreeing on a level all can complete.

I'm not even that experienced but you learn quickly when you see nature is nothing to mess with!

 

[Tulessa]

Just wondering if they are using Drones in their search?

 

[Mauig’ma]

I always tell people- I can get lost walking in a straight line. For me, it would not be smart to go on a hike alone, and it's imperative that the person or people that I hike with know where the hell we're going, because this is one time I wouldn't be able to take charge of anything.

Then you and I going for a hike is a bad idea!! I’m the same way. I was lost in an acre park. Not kidding you, I panicked. Lol

 

[BlkMtnGirl]

Susan should have been found by now, especially with the number of experienced searchers out yesterday. This is starting to seem peculiar.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

“Trained personnel from cooperating agencies in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia have responded to assist park staff in the large-scale search effort in steep, rugged terrain.

Helicopters and multiple canine teams were deployed for the search effort. Specialized search and rescue drones, operated by FAA-licensed pilots, were being used in some areas to help search for Clements. Searchers have worked through rain, fog, wind and low temperatures in the 40s over the last several days in this mountainous region that straddles two states and several counties.”
More Resources Involved In Search For Hiker At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

 

[imstilla.grandma]

My family just got back from an eight day hiking/camping trip in Colorado. Six of my family went. My oldest son bought top notch walkie talkies for each sibling, niece and dad. It was a little costly but he is an experienced hiker along with my youngest daughter. There was no way he was going to allow anyone to be without communication. It’s a good thing because while everyone was asleep in the tents, my two sons went up hiking in the dark. My oldest daughter woke up, couldn’t find them and freaked until she remembered the radio. She let loose on them like only a big sister can get away with. All safe and home now.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

“Clements was hiking with her daughter on the Forney Ridge Trail, near Andrews Bald, when the two separated, officials said.

Now, the search has increased to 125 people working 16-hour days. The case is considered unusual because most searches are resolved in a day, national park officials said.

Trained searchers and logistical support teams work in shifts to cover the rugged terrain, officials said.

Cincinnati City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld said Clements works for the Metropolitan Sewer District.

He said the city manager is staying in touch with Clements' family.

Her family did not want to speak with WLWT in an interview but said she is a great mother to three children.”
Search continues for Cleves woman who disappeared while hiking in Great Smoky Mountains

 

[imstilla.grandma]

This video isn’t about Sue. It does explain why they enjoyed the area. It’s absolutely magnificent.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

“Clements’ daughter said she had ventured ahead of her mother and had agreed to wait for her to catch up, but her mom never showed up. When the daughter realized her mother was missing, she contacted authorities.“
URGENT search underway for mom of three missing in Great Smoky Mountains
Does anyone know who the ‘authorities’ are?

 

[GraceG]

Just wondering if they are using Drones in their search?

Use of drones is restricted in the majority of national parks. SAR could possibly get a waiver from the FAA but it's not something you can do in a day or two. (I'm a licensed commercial pilot, all federal pilot paperwork items tend to be SLOW).

 

[Rockfarmer]

Green and black clothing will be hard to see and if I remember right, about a half mile before you get to the bald there is a confusing junction.
To the west of the smokies we've had several days of heavy rain and now temps are definitely cooling off. I hope she is found safely and soon.