Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) Sad news over the weekend from officials with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

GSMNP officials say missing hiker, 73-year-old Ann Houghton, was found dead inside the park Sunday afternoon around 2:00 p.m.

Houghton was last seen on Tuesday; her car was found at the Smokemont Campground on Saturday.

Officials say Houghton planned to hike the Bradley Fork, Chasteen Creek, Hughes Ridge and Enloe Creek trails and that her body was found about a quarter mile off of the Enloe Creek Trail.

“Ann was an enduring and beloved member of our Smokies Community. She was a dedicated volunteer and avid hiker who shared her passion for the park with many visitors,” said Charles Sellars, Acting Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers condolences to her family and friends.”

Officials say Houghton was an avid hiker and volunteered with the park for more than 20 years; she was nominated for a National Park Service George and Helen Hartzog Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service in 2022.

Several agencies assisted the park with search operations, investigations, and emergency services, including Cherokee Fire and Rescue, BUSAR, Macon Volunteer Fire Department, Cowee Volunteer Fire Department, Appalachian Mountain Rescue Team and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.