UPDATE:  Appalachian Trail hiker was found on Tuesday, Nov 19. and taken to receive medical treatment.

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UNION COUNTY, GA –  On Monday, Nov. 18, 2019, a hiker reported finding an abandoned backpack on the Appalachian Trail. It belonged to Shane Michael Dixon, 24, of St. Petersburg, Fl, who has yet to be found.

Union County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department have actively been searching the trail. They located his belongings, but so far no sitings of Dixon.

The backpack was discovered, close to Gooch Gap and Suches, GA. It’s just three miles off Georgia Hwy. 60, located in the Southeastern end of the county.

Other hikers saw Dixon around 2:15 p.m. on Monday near Cooper Gap, not far from where the bag was found.  They stated that Dixon seemed fatigued and wasn’t carrying any supplies, such as water, food, or camping equipment. He took a bottle of water from the hikers, then set off toward Unicoi State Park.

The state park is 30 miles away from Dixon’s last known location.

Heading into the second night, Dixon’s exposure to the elements could affect his survival. Last night the Appalachian Trail recorded near-freezing temperatures, and according to reports, Dixon lacks any survival gear.

If you have seen or know Dixon’s whereabouts, please call 911 as soon as possible. If you find Dixon, please provide any assistance you can, then call the authorities.