The family of Charles Hosch announced that a large-scale operation will be held this weekend after almost four months of searching for the Southern Methodist University law professor and Dallas attorney who went missing during a hike in Northern Georgia.
Hosch, 67, went for a hike on part of the Appalachian Trail, a winding path that extends almost 2,200 miles through 14 states. Witnesses last saw him the afternoon of Nov. 11 descending a section of the Appalachian Trail on Blood Mountain.
Julia Hosch, his daughter, said members of Backcountry Unit Search and Rescue, Knox County search and rescue, and Union County search and rescue teams have continued weekend coordinated efforts since January.
“They are collectively going all together to have more boots on the ground all at once,” Julia Hosch said. “It’s not that the whole search has been stopped; it’s just been smaller.”
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According to an entry posted Monday on the Bring Charles Home website, family, friends and experienced volunteers will work with the search and rescue teams. The large-scale operation is set to take place Saturday and Sunday.
Map of the Byron Herbert Reece Trail near Blood Mountain
Photo courtesy of Julia Hosch
“As spring foliage returns to the mountain, search conditions will become increasingly difficult,” the entry said. “Professional search and rescue groups familiar with Blood Mountain and [who are willing to] work in coordination with Union County are encouraged to join the effort.”
The family launched the website on Nov. 25 to post updates about their continued search and to detail what finding Hosch means to them.
Search efforts for Hosch have not ceased since he went missing, said Kate Morris, Charles Hosch’s friend and partner at Hosch & Morris PLLC.
“We remain determined to find Charles and bring him home,” Morris said in an email Monday. “This weekend’s planned operation represents one of our largest coordinated efforts to date.”
Morris previously described Hosch as the finest attorney and human being she has ever known.
“The goodness Charles gave so freely in life returns to us now as comfort — in the dedication of strangers who’ve become friends, in the community that won’t let go, in the love that keeps searching.” Morris said.
A prayer board dedicated to Charles Hosch and the search to bring him home.
Courtesy of Julia Hosch
“In this way, Charles is already home with us, his spirit alive in every act of kindness shown in his name,” she said.
The family also started a GoFundMe, with the donations going toward the organizations and individuals helping to look for Hosch. As of Tuesday evening, over $79,000 had been raised.
The News contacted the Union County sheriff’s office and emergency operations center and the Knox County search and rescue team Monday for further details but has not heard back.