Fannin County Emergency Management Agency

08/31/2026

UPDATE – MISSING PERSON JAMES HAMMOND LOCATED SAFE

We are pleased to report that James Hammond has been located and is safe.

Earlier this evening, local residents encountered Hammond sitting along the side of the road near the southern base of Wilscot Mountain in Fannin County, not far from the area where he was originally reported missing. The individuals immediately recognized Hammond from the information and photographs that had been shared with the public and stopped to offer assistance.

After picking Hammond up, they immediately notified authorities that he had been located. Hammond told them that he had been in the woods for approximately four days and had just made his way out.

The individuals transported Hammond to Chick-fil-A in Blairsville, where they met with Union General EMS. Hammond was evaluated by EMS and transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. He was reported to be in stable condition at the time of transport.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone who shared James’ information, reported possible sightings, remained vigilant, and assisted with the search efforts. We especially thank the individuals who recognized James, stopped to assist him, and immediately notified authorities.

We also extend our appreciation to all responding agencies and personnel who assisted throughout the search.

No further details are available at this time.

08/31/2026

UPDATE – JAMES HAMMOND LOCATED SAFE

We are pleased to report that James Hammond has been located and is safe.

We would like to thank everyone who shared his information, remained vigilant, reported information, and assisted with the search efforts.

We greatly appreciate the support and cooperation of our community and all agencies and personnel who assisted.

Thank you to everyone who helped bring this search to a safe conclusion.

08/31/2026

CLARIFICATION REGARDING EMERGENCY ALERT

We have received several questions regarding the emergency alert issued concerning missing person James Hammond.

The alert identifies Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) because that is the State of Georgia agency through which the alert was distributed.

The words “Homeland Security” do NOT mean that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is searching for James, nor do they indicate that he is wanted by federal authorities.

Fannin County EMA requested the alert in an effort to reach a wider geographic area and obtain information from the public regarding James’ whereabouts.

Please do not read anything additional into the agency name appearing on the alert. This remains a missing-person search, and the purpose of the alert is simply to help locate James.

Anyone with information regarding his current location or whereabouts should contact 911 or Fannin County Dispatch at 706-632-6022.

We appreciate everyone continuing to share the information and helping us get accurate information to the public.

08/31/2026

UPDATE 08/31/2026

JAMES HAMMOND HAS BEEN FOUND SAFE.

UPDATE – MISSING PERSON: JAMES HAMMOND

At this time, the following information is known regarding the search for missing person James Hammond:

On Friday night at approximately 11:30 p.m., Hammond was traveling in a vehicle with family members when they stopped near the intersection of Highway 60 and Dial Road in Fannin County. According to information provided by the family, Hammond exited the vehicle of his own free will and left the area on foot.

A short time later, family members contacted law enforcement. The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office responded and completed a report. Based on the circumstances and information available at that time, no further action was determined to be necessary, as Hammond had voluntarily exited the vehicle and left on his own.

The following day, the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office returned to the area and requested assistance from Fannin County Emergency Management Agency and Search and Rescue.

As part of the initial search effort, an approximately three-mile radius surrounding the area where Hammond was last seen was searched utilizing Fannin County drone resources. No evidence leading to Hammond’s location was discovered during that search.

Tomorrow morning, Georgia K9 will respond to the area with search dogs to continue search efforts in and around the location where Hammond was last seen.

There have also been reports of possible sightings in surrounding areas. At this time, however, none of those sightings have been confirmed.

According to family members, Hammond did not have a cell phone with him when he left the vehicle or any other items in his possession.

We understand the public has questions; however, we ask that everyone refrain from speculation and avoid sharing unconfirmed information, as doing so can interfere with search efforts and create unnecessary confusion.

At this time, this represents the information available to responding agencies. We continue to ask anyone who may have seen James Hammond or who may have information regarding his whereabouts to contact the Fannin County Dispatch at 706-632-6022.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available and is appropriate for public release.

08/29/2026

UPDATE 08/31/2026

JAMES HAMMOND HAS BEEN FOUND SAFE.

FANNIN COUNTY EMA: MISSING PERSON, 40 YEAR OLD MALE JAMES HAMMOND. MALE IS APPROX 195 LBS WITH BROWN HAIR AND BROWN EYES. CLOTHING DESCRIPTION BLACK T-SHIRT AND KHAKI SHORTS. IF FOUND CALL 706-632-6022
Hear Audio Alert:https://hrpow.us/YLqk3UR

08/28/2026

Please join us.....2 weeks out! Not only do you get to honor all those lost on & since 9/11......we will cook you a hot dog & provide community fellowship!

08/27/2026

https://donors.lifesouth.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/912483

08/15/2026