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)?
👁️
witness
Lead #2What circumstances led to the possible sighting in Murphy, North Carolina, and can this be verified?
💡
clue
Lead #3Heather's known pattern of tent camping near the Appalachian Trail—has the trail corridor been thoroughly searched?
Heather Rae Austin, a 36-year-old woman, was reported missing on October 2, 2015, after her family's last contact with her on August 17, 2015. She was confirmed to be in Topton, North Carolina around April 1, 2017, and has been known to tent camp near the Appalachian Trail in the region. Despite possible sightings in Murphy, North Carolina, her current whereabouts remain unknown and the case remains active.
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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 #4What was Heather's condition and circumstances when last confirmed in Topton in April 2017?
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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
Family's last known contact with Heather Rae Austin
🕵️
2015-10-02
Missing Person Report Filed
Heather reported missing by family
📍
2017-04-01
Confirmed Location
Heather confirmed to be staying in Topton, North Carolina
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:August 17, 2015
Last Updated:July 29, 2026
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Phone: 5122185500
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Case Information
Incident:August 17, 2015
Last Updated:July 29, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5122185500
You can remain anonymous