News Release

Search underway for missing person on Blue Ridge Parkway

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Date: January 26, 2023
Contact: BLRI Public Affairs

UPDATE On 01/26/2023 at approximately 1:21 p.m. search crews located Osha Ray Berry, Mr. Berry was located in a remote area in close proximity to the Frying Pan Fire Tower.
For more information, see Transylvania County Sherriff's statement here - https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=591136079705570&set=a.240058084813373. 



Brevard, NC – National Park Service Law Enforcement rangers are coordinating the efforts of a multi-agency search and investigation underway for a missing person near milepost 410 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  

On Wednesday morning, January 25, 2023, while responding to a report of damaged gates near the US Route 276 entrance to the Parkway, law enforcement rangers also discovered an unoccupied vehicle in a nearby overlook. The vehicle, registered to Osha Ray Berry, age 39, of Pooler, Georgia, showed damage consistent with attempting to drive through a closed gate. A search quickly commenced for Mr. Berry.

National Park Service law enforcement rangers requested assistance from neighboring Transylvania County, who responded to the scene with a Search and Rescue team. Other cooperating organizations that are contributing to the search include: Haywood County, Brevard Rescue, NC Forest Service, and Connestee Fire Rescue, Inc. 

Officials intend to expand the search area today and call in additional personnel. Anyone with any information about Mr. Berry’s whereabouts is asked to call the NPS Investigative Services Tip Line at 888.653.0009.  

No further details are available at this time.  



Last updated: January 26, 2023

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