Missing National Park Volunteer, 73, found death

A Great Smoky Mountains National Park Volunteer reported was missing dead on Sunday, February 2, said National Park Service (NPS) in a News notice.

Ann Houghton, 73, was supposed to go to a hike around Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina between Tuesday 28 January and Wednesday 29 January. Her vehicle was found at the SmokeMont campsite, and she was reported missing at the park on Saturday, February 1st.

Local law enforcement and search and rescue personnel began a search for Houghton on the day she was reported missing. They searched for her in the SmokeMont area, especially around Bradley Fork, Chaste Creek, Hughes Ridge and Enloe Creek, according to NPS.

Houghton’s body was discovered around a quarter of a mile outside Enloe Creek Trail just before 14.00 on Sunday.

Houghton lived in Jackson County, NC she voluntarily for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for over two decades and worked over 4,000 hours as NPS representative for NPS.

In 2022, she was nominated by the park for NPS George and Helen Hartzog Awards for outstanding voluntary service.

“Ann pulls quietly from first and foremost, boots-on-land experience in interaction with curious visitors and new employees,” announcement of her nomination read. “She has a gift to share important information with children and adults, while giving them room to consider concepts and continuing self -controlled exploration, but often through a more wide, responsible lens.”

Houghton served as a track holder, cemetery assistant, native plants gardener, demonstrator for special events, Parkwide Litter Patrol Volunteer and leaves no trace rampian. Most of her time was spent in visitor services and resource control at North Carolina’s Oconal aire visitor center and surrounding Bergsgård.

“Ann was a permanent and beloved member of our Smokies society. She was a dedicated volunteer and eager hiker who shared her passion for the park with many visitors, “Charles Sellars, acting superintendent for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, said in a statement Sunday,” Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers condolences to her family and family and friends. ”

The NPs are investigating her death.

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A representative of NPS did not immediately respond to people’s request for more information on Monday.