Missing Ohio teen found safe in Grand Teton
By Associated Press
Aug 6, 2016 11:33 AM CDT

MOOSE, Wyo. (AP) — Searchers located an Ohio teen who went missing in Grand Teton National Park on Saturday and tracked her down after she fled when authorities tried to rescue her.

Fauna Jackson, 16, was uninjured and taken to a hospital to be checked out. The National Park Service said Jackson changed her appearance by cutting and dying her hair. She also changed her clothes.

The girl, who is from Cincinnati, Ohio, was found near the Snake River Overlook about 4 miles from where she was last seen on Thursday morning. Jackson is a member of Groundwork USA and was working with about 20 other people on a trail project in the national park when she took a bathroom break but didn't return.

Rangers searched the area, and when they couldn't find her, they called in search crews, a helicopter, dog search teams and other authorities. Missing person notices were posted in the area where she disappeared.

Rescuers said someone reported seeing the girl Friday evening, and they became concerned after they found one of her hiking boots.

Park law enforcement rangers and officers with Teton County Sheriff's Office said the Wyoming Civil Air Patrol helped find the girl.

Grand Teton National Park Superintendent David Vela offered no reason why the girl changed her appearance and fled, but thanked rescuers for their efforts.

"We are relieved and very grateful that Fauna has been found," Vela said in a statement.

The Teton County Sheriff's Office, Teton County Search and Rescue, Teton County Emergency Management, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Federal Bureau of Investigation, volunteers, and park staff took part in the search.

Groundwork USA teams are formed to work on environmental issues, improve their career skills, and take part in conservation and restoration projects.