The person at the center of this case
Heather Rae Austin
Missing Person · Open
9 years waiting · since 2017
Missing Person: Heather Rae Austin
Justice for Heather Rae Austin — the trail went cold in 2017, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
📍
location
Lead #1Why was there a nearly two-year gap between last family contact (August 2015) and confirmation of her location in Topton (April 2017)? Where was she during this period?
💡
clue
Lead #2Heather is known to tent camp near the Appalachian Trail—could she have been living in remote camping areas that made her difficult to locate?
👁️
witness
Lead #3What led to the possible sighting in Murphy, North Carolina, and can that sighting be corroborated with additional witnesses?
Heather Rae Austin, a 36-year-old woman, was reported missing in October 2015 after last having contact with family on August 17, 2015. She was confirmed to be in Topton, North Carolina around April 1, 2017, and has been possibly sighted in Murphy, North Carolina; she is known to tent camp near the Appalachian Trail. Despite years passing, her whereabouts remain unknown, and investigators continue seeking information about her movements and current location.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
🔍
evidence
Lead #4Does Heather still require prescription glasses, and could this distinctive need help identify her in any recent sightings?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP34809. Missing person: Heather Rae Austin.
Last known contact: 2017-04-01 in Topton, Macon, NC. Circumstances: On October 2, 2015, Heather Austin was reported missing by family, who last talked to her on August 17, 2015.
It has been confirmed that Heather had been staying in Topton, North Carolina, on or about April 1, 2017. Heather has since been possibly seen in Murphy, North Carolina.
Heather is known to tent camp near or along the Appalachian Trail. Demographics: 36 years, Female, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 5 ft 3 in, 155 lbs, hair: Blond/Strawberry, eyes: Hazel. Clothing and accessories: Eyewear: Known to wear prescription glasses.
Investigating agency: Round Rock Police Department | 1510020028 | 2015-10-02.
Timeline of Events
👁️
2015-08-17
Last Contact with Family
Heather last communicated with family members on this date.
👤
2015-10-02
Reported Missing
Family reported Heather missing to authorities.
📍
2017-04-01
Confirmed Location
Heather was confirmed to be staying in Topton, North Carolina around this date.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:August 17, 2015
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5122185500
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Case Information
Incident:August 17, 2015
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5122185500
You can remain anonymous