Media Statement

Fatality Near the A.T. in Amicalola Falls State Park

February 20, 2020

In Response to the Fatality Near the Appalachian Trail in Amicalola Falls State Park

Late yesterday, Dawson County officials announced that they had recovered the body of Eddie Noonkester, an aspiring Appalachian Trail thru-hiker who was reported missing this past weekend. No foul play is suspected by investigators. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

A search and rescue team of over 130 individuals joined the search for Mr. Noonkester, many working over multiple nights through harsh weather conditions. We thank them for their tireless efforts to locate Mr. Noonkester.

We would also like to thank the dozens of individuals who contacted the ATC directly to offer their assistance in finding Mr. Noonkester. We encourage anyone who witnesses a person in trouble or any other incidents on the Trail to contact local law enforcement, the National Park Service, and the ATC directly via the methods found at appalachiantrail.org/incidents.

About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The ATC was founded in 1925 by volunteers and federal officials working to build a continuous footpath along the Appalachian Mountains. A unit of the National Park System, the A.T. ranges from Maine to Georgia and is 2,193 miles in length. It is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. The mission of the ATC is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. For more information, please visit www.appalachiantrail.org.

Media Contact: Jordan Bowman
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Tel: 304.885.0794
Email: jbowman@appalachiantrail.org

###