News Release

Missing hunter found deceased after multi-day search

Search volunteers gathered for assignments at the Carter County Mobile Command Center, which was brought to the remote location to serve as a headquarters for the search team.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: November 16, 2022

Contact: Dena Matteson, 573-323-4814

VAN BUREN, Mo. -  Searchers located the body of 58-year-old Phillip Carnell on the morning of November 16, not far from the area he had planned to hunt when he was last seen on November 13.

Carnell, of Sikeston, Missouri, was deer hunting in Ozark National Scenic Riverways, near Cave Spring in Carter County.  He was dropped off at his hunting spot on the morning of November 13 by a friend. When he failed to return from hunting later in the day and could not be located by family and friends, he was reported missing. Emergency responders began scouring the area for Carnell that evening.

After more than two days of intense searching, volunteers on horseback discovered Carnell’s body on a small island in a slough on November 16. It is suspected that he became lost and crossed the slough onto the island while tracking a deer.  The condition of the body is consistent with death caused by hypothermia and exposure. An investigation is ongoing.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways appreciates the assistance of everyone involved in the effort. During the course of the search, multiple local agencies, fire departments, and organizations provided personnel and resources. There was a huge outpouring of community support, with nearly 150 volunteers combing the area on November 14 and 15. The search teams utilized nearly every means of search available by air, land, and water. Volunteers and emergency responders traversed the area on foot, in vehicles, by boat, and on horseback. Aircraft and drones flew over the area multiple times, and dog teams were used in an attempt to pick up a scent trail.

 

www.nps.gov/ozar

Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves 134 miles of the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.  Learn more at www.nps.gov/ozar.  Find us on Facebook @ozarkriverways and on Instagram @ozarkriverwaysnps.

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