HEFLIN, AL — A Cherokee County, Georgia teen who went missing earlier this week while hiking the Pinhoti Trail has been found safe, authorities confirmed.
Garrett Byrum, whose age is reported as either 14 or 15 based on conflicting information on social media, had left his home voluntarily and was believed to be hiking the Pinhoti Trail in east Alabama. While Garrett had not committed any crime, law enforcement noted that he did not necessarily have his parents’ permission to be away from home, prompting concern from family and officials.
Authorities asked the public to report any sightings to the Heflin Police Department or the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department.
UPDATE: Garrett has been located safe in North Georgia. Law enforcement agencies have expressed gratitude to everyone who helped share information during the search. No further details about his condition or how he was located have been released at this time.
