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
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location
Lead #1Why was there a gap between last contact (August 2015) and confirmed sighting (April 2017)? Where was Heather during those 20 months?
💡
clue
Lead #2Heather is known to tent camp along the Appalachian Trail—could she be living in remote camping areas in western North Carolina?
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witness
Lead #3She was possibly seen in Murphy, NC—have local residents or trail hikers reported recent sightings of a woman matching her description?
Heather Rae Austin, a 36-year-old woman, was reported missing in October 2015 after last being contacted on August 17, 2015, though she was confirmed in Topton, North Carolina in April 2017. She is known to tent camp along the Appalachian Trail and has been possibly sighted in Murphy, North Carolina, suggesting she may be living outdoors in the region. Anyone with information about Heather's whereabouts is urged to contact the Round Rock Police Department, as her current status and safety remain unknown.
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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.
👤
person
Lead #4Does Heather have any known associates, friends, or family in the Topton or Murphy areas who might provide leads on her current location?
Have information about any of these leads?
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
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2015-08-17
Last Contact
Last known contact with Heather Rae Austin
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2015-10-02
Reported Missing
Heather was reported missing by family
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2017-04-01
Confirmed Location
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 22, 2026
Have Information?
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:July 22, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5122185500
You can remain anonymous