HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) – Deputies are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 27-year-old Asheville man.
Deputies say Chad Seger was last known to have been in the Black Balsam area of Pisgah National Forest on Monday, Oct. 12. His car was found in the Black Balsam park parking lot, according to the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office.
The search resumed on Sunday with over 120 searchers from multiple agencies from as far away as Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Kannapolis. In addition to ground search teams, a K9 unit is being employed today, according to the sheriff’s office.
A North Carolina Highway Patrol helicopter team provided air support Saturday and may be used again as needed. Sunday’s search area expands on areas searched Saturday while continuing to focus on the Shining Rock Wilderness and Black Balsam Knob areas in detail, deputies said.
“All credible leads from social media and local hikers continue to be followed up on and the Incident Management Team encourages the public to keep sharing tips or possible sightings,” a statement from the sheriff’s office said.
The Black Balsam area of the parkway will continue to be very busy with emergency vehicles and searchers Sunday, visitors are encouraged to make alternate plans and avoid the area.
Deputies ask if anyone has been hiking anytime this week in the Black Balsam, Sam Knob, Mountains to Sea area of the Pisgah National Forest and have seen Chad Seger or have any information on his whereabouts, to contact the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office at 828-452-6600.
