Dead National Park Volunteer

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Volunteer Found Dead

A 73-year-old Great Smoky Mountains National Park volunteer who was reported missing was found dead on Sunday, February 2, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

Background

Ann Houghton, a resident of Jackson County, North Carolina, was a dedicated volunteer at the park, having spent over two decades volunteering and working over 4,000 hours as an NPS front-line representative.

Missing Person Report

Houghton was supposed to depart for a hike around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Tuesday, January 28 or Wednesday, January 29. Her vehicle was found at the Smokemont Campground, and she was reported missing to the park on Saturday, February 1.

Search Efforts

Local law enforcement and search and rescue staff began a search for Houghton the day she was reported missing. They searched for her in the Smokemont area, specifically around the Bradley Fork, Chasteen Creek, Hughes Ridge, and Enloe Creek trails.

Body Found

Houghton’s body was discovered around a quarter mile off the Enloe Creek Trail just before 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Volunteer Work

Houghton was a dedicated volunteer at the park, serving in various roles including Trail Maintainer, Cemetery Assistant, Native Plants Gardener, Demonstrator for Special Events, Parkwide Litter Patrol Volunteer, and Leave No Trace Ambassador. Most of her time was spent working in visitor services and resource stewardship at North Carolina’s Oconaluftee Visitor Center and surrounding Mountain Farm.

Nomination for Award

In 2022, Houghton was nominated by the park for the NPS George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service. The nomination read: “Ann quietly draws from first-hand, boots-on-ground experience in interaction with curious visitors and new members of staff. She has a gift for sharing vital information with children and adults, while giving them space to consider concepts and continue self-guided exploration, but often through a more wide-view, responsible lens.”

Condolences

“Ann was an enduring and beloved member of our Smokies Community. She was a dedicated volunteer and avid hiker who shared her passion for the park with many visitors,” said Charles Sellars, acting superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers condolences to her family and friends.”

Investigation

The NPS is investigating Houghton’s death.

Conclusion

The loss of Ann Houghton is a tragedy, and the park community is mourning the passing of a dedicated and beloved volunteer. Her contributions to the park will not be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to inspire others to get involved and protect the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

FAQs

Q: Who was Ann Houghton?
A: Ann Houghton was a 73-year-old Great Smoky Mountains National Park volunteer who was reported missing and later found dead.

Q: What was Houghton’s role at the park?
A: Houghton was a dedicated volunteer at the park, serving in various roles including Trail Maintainer, Cemetery Assistant, Native Plants Gardener, Demonstrator for Special Events, Parkwide Litter Patrol Volunteer, and Leave No Trace Ambassador.

Q: How long did Houghton volunteer at the park?
A: Houghton volunteered at the park for over two decades, working over 4,000 hours as an NPS front-line representative.

Q: What was the cause of Houghton’s death?
A: The cause of Houghton’s death is currently under investigation by the NPS.