Susan Clements Facts: Missing Hiker's Body Found After Intensive Search

The body of an Ohio woman, who went missing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park a week ago, was found Tuesday afternoon. According to the National Park Service, Mitzie Sue "Susan" Clements disappeared while hiking at the national park on the North Carolina-Tennessee border.

The 53-year-old's body was found by search crews approximately 2 miles west of the Clingmans Dome parking area and three-quarters of a mile south of the Appalachian Trail, the park news release said. Her cause of death and other details leading up to the tragedy remain unclear at this time.

Clements was hiking with her daughter on the afternoon of Sept. 25, when they both became separated. The daughter reported Clements missing shortly after hiking ahead and losing sight of her mother, according to park spokeswoman Julena Campbell.

After learning of the incidents, park officials searched the immediate area but did not find Clements. The next day, a group of experienced searchers spent the night on the Appalachian Trail, attempting to find the woman. Hikers in the area were also questioned in connection to Clements' disappearance.

Describing Clements, park officials said she is 5-foot-6-inch tall, weighs around 125 pounds and was last seen wearing a green zip-up sweater, black workout pants over black leggings, a clear rain poncho, and white tennis shoes with purple laces.

Over the last few days, the search for the woman continued amid rain, wind and high temperatures. Searchers scoured the densely wooded, mountainous area of the park. Helicopters, canine teams and specialized search-and-rescue drones were also used in the search operation.

"It takes a lot of people and a lot of time to just comb through that landscape," Campbell said earlier.

By Tuesday, more than 100 people from 45 agencies had joined the search to find Clements. Acting Chief Ranger Jared St. Clair said no additional volunteers were needed as crews aim to only use professionals trained for systematic searches.

“This is unforgiving terrain, and we are working long hours to find Ms Clements. We are extremely grateful for the rapid response by so many well-trained personnel and the generous support resources that our cooperators have dedicated to this search,” St. Clair said at the time.

Clements' family members had set up a GoFundMe page to help cover their expenses to stay in the area during the search. After a week's search using the best of technology and efforts of search crew, Clements' body was found.

Clements worked as an accounting technician in the administration department of Cincinnati's Metropolitan Sewer District, according to a statement from the district. In response to her death, Cincinnati Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld described her as a "beloved mother, friend and longtime employee of the city of Cincinnati."

"We will pull together to do everything we can to support her family, friends and co-workers during this time of grieving," he said. "My colleagues and I, and the whole city workforce, will also ensure we find a meaningful way to remember and honor her."