Authorities have suspended the active search for a missing law professor who vanished during a Veterans Day hike in Georgia, two weeks after he was last seen.
Charles Hosch, 67, disappeared on Nov. 11 while hiking near Blood Mountain, according to an earlier news release from the Union County Sheriff’s Office. His last known location was the Byron Herbert Reece Trail, and he was last seen “descending from the top of Blood Mountain,” per the website of his law firm, Hosch & Morris, PLLC.
On Nov. 21, the Union County Sheriff’s Office announced that search efforts on the ground had been “scaled back” to allow specialized K-9 teams to focus on tracking potential clues.
In an update shared Monday, Nov. 24, Hosch’s law firm said authorities have now “paused its active search operations while awaiting new information or clues.”
“This does not mark the end of the search,” the firm stated on its website, emphasizing that “the case remains active, and search and rescue personnel will continue to pursue any new clues or credible information that arises.”
Hosch’s daughter, Julia Hosch-Singh, told ABC affiliate WSB that she still believes her father could be found alive.
“My dad is extraordinary, and if anyone can figure out how to find shelter and find water and stay alive, it is still very much a possibility,” she said.
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Speaking with CBS affiliate KTVT, Hosch-Singh added that she has been leaning on her father’s favorite Bible verses since his disappearance.
“We remain grateful and hopeful,” she said. “While today may close this first chapter with the incredible Union County team, it does not end our search for Dad. We will share what next steps will entail soon.”
Hosch’s firm describes him as a Harvard Law School graduate who has “dedicated more than three decades to mentoring law students at SMU Dedman School of Law and has been a cornerstone of our legal community.”
He is also “a former Eagle Scout who has volunteered with the Scouts for years” and teaches Sunday school at University Park United Methodist Church, according to the firm.
Hosch has been married to his wife, Beth, for 42 years — they met in college — and he recently became a grandfather for the first time.
“To his peers and students alike, he is not only an exceptional attorney and teacher, but a wonderful friend whose unwavering reliability and warmth have touched countless lives,” the firm added.
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Hosch & Morris noted that its own efforts “will continue” as they “plan the next phase and will share details as they develop.”
“We are forever indebted to the search and rescue teams who navigated treacherous terrain in challenging conditions with heroism, skill, and tireless dedication,” the firm said. “Their commitment to finding Charles has been nothing short of remarkable, and we will be always grateful for their courage and compassion.”
Anyone with information about Hosch’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Union County Emergency Operations Center at (706) 439-6091 or call 911.
