Updated Video Statement, Photo, Search for Missing Gilmer Man Continues

This morning’s update: According to Gilmer Fire Chief Tony Pritchett the command center has been re-established this morning. The search teams, helicopter and search dogs are assembling and the search will resume within the hour for missing man, Earl Townsend. FYN will keep you informed of any updates throughout the day.

UPDATED VIDEO:

If you have any information about Mr. Earl Townsend, please contact the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office at 706-635-8911 or call 911.

From last night: Search and rescue efforts for Earl Townsend was suspended at 1AM this morning. Gilmer Fire and Rescue Chief Tony Pritchett told FYN that they would resume search efforts at daylight Tuesday morning. Pritchett said that he was working closely with Sheriff Stacy Nicholson on the search effort. When the search resumes Townsend will have been missing for approximately 35 hours.

Search and rescue teams are still on the look out for Earl Townsend. The teams have worked all day searching the Ridgeway Church Road area (approximately 12 miles out 282). Search dogs have yet to pick up a trail.

At approximately 6:30 Gilmer County Emergency Management Agency division chief Russ Hoek reassembled search teams with new maps of the area to continue back out.

The search is being led by Gilmer County Emergency Management Search and Rescue, with multiple offices taking part including the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, Gilmer Fire, Gilmer County Emergency Management, a GSP helicopter, Jasper County Fire and Rescue, Union County Sheriff’s K9 Unit, Fannin County Fire and Rescue, and Dawson County Emergency Services K9 Unit.

Mr.Townsend, a.k.a. “Tater”, is a 68 year 5’3″, 175lb white man who was last seen wearing a blue shirt, black pants, and black shoes. Mr.Townsend also has Alzheimers and COPD. If you have any information please contact the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office or call 911.

Stay tuned to FYN for updates.