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Clues Found in Search for Ginseng Hunter Who Went Missing in Shenandoah National Park

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Published Date

October 9, 2008

Few clues have been found in a search for a 50-year-old man who went missing in Shenandoah National Park.

A pack of cigarettes, a hat, some keys, and a boot are among the few clues searchers have to go on in their hunt for a ginseng hunter missing in Shenandoah National Park for ten days.

Fifty-year-old Earl Funk, from Staunton, Virginia, was reported missing back on September 29 after he headed into the Cedar Mountain region of the park. While more than 50 searchers have been looking for him, few clues to his whereabouts have been found. Some surfaced Tuesday when searchers came upon a hat, keys, a pack of cigarettes, a tent stake (used for digging), and a boot thought to belong to Mr. Funk. On Wednesday a machete was found.

Shenandoah officials say 55 employees and trained volunteers are currently involved in the search, which now is concentrating outside the park on private land. The search continues to be a joint operation between Shenandoah National Park and the Albemarle County (Virginia) Sheriff’s Office.

Earl Funk is described as a white male with brown hair and green eyes, 5-foot-8 and approximately 145 pounds. When last seen he was wearing dark pants and a light shirt.

Anyone with any information about Earl Funk is encouraged to call Shenandoah National Park at 1-800-732-0911. For additional information about the search and rescue operation please call 540-999-3300.

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