Major Search Operation for Missing Family
A large-scale search and rescue mission is underway in South Carolina after a grandmother and her three grandchildren vanished during a hike. Dozens of rescuers are combing the difficult terrain of Caesars Head State Park after a young boy made a desperate 911 call on Monday evening.
The Disappearance and Desperate Call
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office reported that a boy called emergency services, stating he and three family members had been lost for approximately three hours in the park area near Cleveland, South Carolina. The child also warned that his mobile phone battery was nearly depleted, according to Lieutenant Ryan Flood.
Authorities have identified the missing hikers as Tonda Michelin, 53; Melody Bangs, 14; Michael Lawton, 11; and Dale Moser, 9. A vehicle matching the description provided by the boy was later located at the Raven Cliff Falls trailhead, confirming their presence in the area. It has not been disclosed why the grandmother did not make the emergency call herself.
Intensive Search Efforts in Rugged Wilderness
The search operation, which began on Monday, has escalated significantly. At least 50 people from half a dozen agencies, including the National Guard, are now involved. Rescuers are utilising a wide array of tools and methods to locate the family, including:
- Drones and helicopters for aerial reconnaissance
- Teams with search dogs
- Off-road vehicles to navigate the challenging landscape
Caesars Head State Park, located about 30 miles northwest of Greenville, is known for its protected environment and rare wildlife. The park's trails, including the popular Raven Cliff Falls path, are consistently rated as advanced due to their wilderness setting. The Raven Cliff Falls trail itself is a demanding 4-mile round trip leading to a dramatic granite overlook. The park connects to the vast Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, which spans 17,000 acres of mountainous forest.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as the search continues into its second day.
