Search Underway for Missing Hikers in Greenville County

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A multi-agency search is underway in Greenville County for three children and an adult who vanished during a hiking trip on Monday (November 24, 2025).

At approximately 6:50 p.m. EST on Monday, a juvenile hiker called 911 to report that they – along with an adult woman and two other juveniles – had been lost for roughly three hours.

Based on details provided during the 911 call, deputies with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) believe the group was somewhere near Caesars Head State Park. A white Nissan matching the caller’s description was later located at the Raven Falls trailhead.

The missing hikers have been identified as:

• 53-year-old Tonda Michelin
• 14-year-old Melody Bangs
• 11-year-old Michael Lawton
• 9-year-old Dale Moser

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While the search for the hikers continues, GCSO announced on Facebook that it – along with partnering agencies – have an ample number of resources on scene and are asking the public to stay clear of the search area so teams can work safely and efficiently.

The search effort now includes at least 50 personnel supported by multiple agencies and specialized resources, which include:

• GCSO
• Park Rangers
• S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
• South Carolina National Guard (SCNG)
• Cedar Mountain Fire Department (CMFD)
• Foothills Search and Rescue (FSR)
• Helicopters, drones, UTVs and additional search tools

GCSO also continues to urge residents in the surrounding area to stay alert and check their properties – including outbuildings, sheds, and storage structures – and to call 911 immediately if they see anything suspicious or believe they’ve spotted the hikers.

Deputies have not yet released any additional information, but count on FITSNews to provide updates on the missing hikers as the search continues.

UPDATE…

According to GCSO, the missing hikers were located safely this afternoon.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR…

Erin Parrott is a Greenville, S.C. native who graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2025 with a bachelor degree in broadcast journalism. Got feedback or a tip for Erin? Email her here.

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