A GoFundMe campaign has been started to support search efforts to find a Gainesville native who went missing in Union County on Nov.11.
Charles Hosch, age 67, was last seen hiking on the Byron Herbert Reece Trailhead near the Lumpkin-Union county line. Union County officials previously paused active search efforts, however, Hosch’s family is continuing to search for him.
The GoFundMe page explained that the family will collaborate with multiple search-and-rescue nonprofits and volunteers on Dec. 13 and 14 in an effort to find him ahead of the holidays. The page has raised nearly $20,000 of the $26,000 goal.
“Charles has been missing since November 11 after what should have been a short hike on a trail he’s known since childhood,” the page said. “We—his wife Beth, daughters Julia and Cat, son-in-law Adi, brother Heyward, law partner Kate Morris, and his infant granddaughter—are desperately hoping to bring him home for the holidays.”
The funding will support the following groups’ efforts to find Hosch:
-Backcountry Unit Search and Rescue (BUSAR)
– Knox County Search and Rescue
– Christian Aid Ministry
– K9 handler Tracy Sargeant
Additionally, the page highlighted that volunteers are still needed. Those interested in assisting in the search can sign up here.
The family said if the GoFundMe campaign raises more than its goal, it will donate excess proceeds to local organizations that have assisted in the search for Hosch so far, including:
• Union County Fire Department/EMA, E911, and Sheriff’s Office
• GSP Aviation in Kennesaw, GA and Athens, GA
• Fire, EMA, and SAR Departments in Fannin County, White County, Towns County, Hall County, Hiawassee Dam, Wolf Creek, Lumpkin County, and Rabun County, GA
• Cherokee, NC Search and Rescue
• Georgia K9 Search and Recovery
• Georgia State Defense Force
• Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
• Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)
• US Forestry Service
• GSAR Task Force 1
• Sherry Scruggs K9 Team
• Spartanburg, SC SAR
“We are on a short timeline before the weather will stop us from being able to support daily searches safely,” the page said. “This weekend is potentially our last and best hope at finding Charles, at least in this phase of our search. However, we are not giving up, and neither should you. Together, we can bring Charles home. And, your donations will allow these heroes to bring others’ lost family members home, too. Charles (Dad) would love that.”
For more information about Hosch’s case, click here.
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