Missing North Carolina Man is Subject of Search by National Park

GATLINBURG -- A North Carolina man who was reported missing by family members on April 27 is now the subject of a search by Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers. Christopher Lee Cessna, 45, had been despondent and a handgun he owned has not been located at his residence. There is concern that he may have planned to take his own life.

Rangers have mounted a search for Cessna after his vehicle was found parked at Newfound Gap parking area. Park officials think the vehicle may have been parked there for weeks. They say it is not unusual for vehicles to be left there for weeks at a time because the Appalachian Trail crosses the Park at Newfound Gap.

The search is stretching from Newfound Gap along the Appalachian Trail and connecting trails. They are looking for clues of somebody having gotten off the trail and are checking the logs at the shelters for any entries related to Cessna.

Rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park are mounting a search for a Cary, North Carolina man who was reported missing on April 27. The Park is also asking that anybody who may have seen the subject, Christopher Lee Cessna, 45, in the last three weeks, whether in the Park or elsewhere, to contact the Park.

Cessna was reported missing to the Cary Police Department which issued a Missing Person Report, but it was not sent to the Park, because family members had no reason to suspect that he would go there.

Cessna is 45 years old, white, 5'10" tall and 230 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes and a fair complexion. Anyone who may have seen him is asked to call Great Smoky Mountains National Park at (865) 436-1230.

Published May 18, 2011, 5:32 p.m.