Blairsville, Georgia, December 12, 2025
A month into the search for Charles Hosch, a 67-year-old professor missing in Georgia, community efforts highlight the importance of hiking safety. With organizing search weekends and spreading awareness, locals are banding together to support Hosch’s family. The extensive search, aided by professional teams and volunteers, underscores the community’s resilience and the necessity of safety precautions in outdoor activities. As the search continues, key safety tips are being promoted to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Community Unites as Search Continues for Missing SMU Professor
Efforts to locate Charles Hosch highlight the importance of hiking safety
Blairsville, Georgia – A month has passed since Charles Hosch, a 67-year-old adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law and co-founder of Hosch & Morris, PLLC, was reported missing during a hike on Georgia’s Blood Mountain. Despite extensive search efforts, including specialized K-9 units, aerial support, and advanced tracking technology, Hosch remains unaccounted for. His situation has sparked a renewed focus on hiking safety, emphasizing the need for proper preparation and community support in outdoor activities.
The hiking community often exemplifies resilience and determination, traits that have become necessary in the wake of Hosch’s disappearance. As friends and family rally to support each other, their proactive approach stresses how crucial it is for outdoor enthusiasts to engage in safe hiking practices, ensuring their own security and that of their companions.
Background on the Disappearance
Charles Hosch was last spotted on November 11, 2025, at the Byron Herbert Reece Trailhead near Blood Mountain in Union County, Georgia. He was dressed in khaki pants, a camel-colored sweater, and a dark green jacket. Despite the extensive search efforts by various agencies, no new information has surfaced about his whereabouts.
Ongoing Search Efforts
The search for Hosch continues, with authorities remaining vigilant in the pursuit of any credible new leads. His family has organized a significant search weekend on December 13-14, which aims to involve over 100 professional search-and-rescue personnel from multiple states. This large mobilization showcases the strength of community bonds and the willingness of individuals to come together for a common cause. Volunteers are encouraged to assist with search operations, and donations are being accepted to support the weekend’s activities.
Community Support and Safety Awareness
The community surrounding Hosch’s family has shown remarkable solidarity during this challenging time. Friends and colleagues have initiated campaigns to raise awareness about hiking safety, creating a dedicated section on the Bring Charles Home website. This resource provides essential hiking safety tips, which include leaving detailed trip plans, carrying critical gear, and utilizing devices that function without cell service. They also contain recommendations like downloading offline trail maps and ensuring that someone is informed about hiking plans.
Hiking Safety Tips
In light of this incident, the key hiking safety tips emphasized by Hosch’s family include:
- Leave a detailed trip plan with someone you trust.
- Carry the ten essentials for hiking.
- Bring a satellite beacon or personal locator device that works without cell service.
- Download trail maps for offline use.
- Inform someone of your hiking plans, including your route and expected return time.
- Check weather forecasts before your hike.
- Stay on marked trails and avoid shortcuts.
- If you get lost, stay put and make noise to attract attention.
Conclusion
As the search for Charles Hosch remains active, the emphasis on hiking safety serves as a paramount reminder to all who venture into the great outdoors. Preparation and vigilance are key to preventing similar incidents in the future. The overwhelming community support and the family’s unwavering dedication underscore the significance of these safety measures and the bond formed over shared values in outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Charles Hosch?
- Charles Hosch is a 67-year-old adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law and co-founder of Hosch & Morris, PLLC. He was reported missing on November 11, 2025, during a hike on Georgia’s Blood Mountain.
- What are the hiking safety tips emphasized by Hosch’s family?
- Hosch’s family emphasizes the following hiking safety tips:
- Leave a detailed trip plan with someone you trust.
- Carry the ten essentials for hiking.
- Bring a satellite beacon or personal locator device that works without cell service.
- Download trail maps for offline use.
- Inform someone of your hiking plans, including your route and expected return time.
- Check weather forecasts before your hike.
- Stay on marked trails and avoid shortcuts.
- If you get lost, stay put and make noise to attract attention.
- What is the current status of the search for Charles Hosch?
- The search for Charles Hosch remains active, with authorities continuing to pursue any new clues or credible information. His family has organized a major search weekend scheduled for December 13-14, aiming to involve over 100 professional search-and-rescue personnel from multiple states. Volunteers are encouraged to support the search operations, and donations are being accepted to fund the weekend’s activities.
- How can I support the search for Charles Hosch?
- You can support the search by volunteering for the search operations, donating to fund the activities, or spreading awareness about the situation. More information is available on the Bring Charles Home website.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Missing Person | Charles Hosch, 67, adjunct professor at SMU’s Dedman School of Law and co-founder of Hosch & Morris, PLLC, missing since November 11, 2025, during a hike on Georgia’s Blood Mountain. |
| Search Efforts | Extensive search involving specialized K-9 units, aerial support, and advanced tracking technology; family organizing major search weekend on December 13-14 with over 100 professional search-and-rescue personnel. |
| Hiking Safety Tips | Leave detailed trip plans, carry essential gear, use satellite beacons or personal locator devices, download offline trail maps, inform someone of your plans, check weather forecasts, stay on marked trails, and know what to do if lost. |
| Community Support | Community rallying around Hosch’s family, emphasizing hiking safety, and providing updates and ways to get involved through the Bring Charles Home website. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dallas City Council Approves Settlement for Police and Fire Pension
17-Year-Old Fatally Shot at Bailey Lake Park in Burleson, Texas
Teen Killed in Shooting at Bailey Lake Park in Burleson
Tragic Shooting Claims Life of 17-Year-Old in Burleson
Family and Friends Continue Search for Missing SMU Law Professor
Family Initiates Website to Search for Missing Dallas Attorney
Cold Front Brings Chilly Weather to Dallas Before Thanksgiving
Dallas Police Release Footage of Downtown Nightclub Shooting
Tragic Shooting in Dallas’s Kessler Stevens Neighborhood
Dallas Man Fatally Shot in East Oak Cliff Neighborhood
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
