Authorities confirmed that a body discovered last Tuesday at Hawksbill Crag belongs to a missing 16-year-old girl from Carroll County.
Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler said hikers found the body below the bluff line, prompting a response from multiple agencies including the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, North Arkansas Regional Medical Center EMS, Mennonite Disaster Service, Harrison Fire Department, the Newton County Coroner’s Office, and the 14th Judicial Drug Task Force.
Earlier in the day, Carroll County authorities had issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) for the girl and her vehicle, which was found in the trailhead parking lot. Law enforcement confirmed the body matched the description of the missing juvenile. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office was notified, and the family has been informed.
Investigators from Newton County, Carroll County, and the Arkansas State Police continue to investigate. The body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for autopsy. Sheriff Wheeler noted that no foul play is suspected and no one else is believed to be involved.
“The situation is heart-wrenching, and all agencies involved will work together to provide answers for the family,” Wheeler said.
Due to the victim’s age, her name has not been released.
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