Bryson City, NC – The search for Frederick William Schaltenbrand, a 39-year-old Florida man, has intensified after he was last seen purchasing gear at Neels Gap in Georgia on August 16. Schaltenbrand has been missing since the morning of August 11, and his family is deeply concerned about his well-being, particularly due to reports of him experiencing mental psychosis.
Frederick, who stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds, was last known to be in New Port Richey, Florida, before making his way north. He was reportedly in love with a woman in Maine and may have been traveling to find her.
His sister, Tiffany Sizemore, posted a plea on social media urging people to keep an eye out for her brother, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. According to Tiffany, Frederick had previously completed a through-hike in 2004 but had prepped for six months at that time, unlike his current situation.
The last confirmed sighting of Frederick was at Neels Gap, Georgia, where he was seen buying hiking gear on August 16. Based on this, it is believed that he could be within a 40-80 mile range if he started on a trail from that location.
Martin Miller Poynter, another individual following the case, mentioned seeing someone matching Frederick’s description at Unicoi Gap, adding another possible location to the search area.
Frederick has brown hair, brown eyes, a distinctive scar on his right cheek, and a tattoo of three green tally marks on an unknown ankle. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact authorities immediately.
As the search continues, the family and friends of Frederick William Schaltenbrand are hoping for his safe return and are appealing to the public for any assistance that could help locate him.