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Rescue workers searched from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday in hopes of finding a 51-year-old Tallassee man who has been missing since Saturday.

As the rain poured down throughout the day, a horde of volunteers poured in to help search for Michael Hearon. The massive effort was not successful as of Tuesday night, but plans were made to start searching again early today.

According to a press release from the Blount County Sheriff's Office and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, authorities have discovered that Hearon left his primary residence around 10 a.m. Saturday with plans to visit his 100-acre Happy Valley property.

"Hearon's parents who generally hear from him every day were alarmed when they did not hear from him by Sunday," the press release said. "His parents contacted other family members who began calling around to other friends in an attempt to locate him. Some family members drove to his Happy Valley property which adjoins Great Smoky Mountains National Park to look for him."

Michael Hearon

When family members had not heard from Hearon by Monday at around 5:30 p.m., they contacted authorities.

"Park rangers and deputies met with family members to try to get further information that would help provide any leads in his whereabouts," the press release said. "Family members reported to officials that Hearon's ATV was missing from his residence but his other vehicles were accounted for. Hearon's neighbors reported to deputies that they saw him leaving his Bell Branch Road residence driving the ATV."

The ATV was found by searchers abandoned off Happy Valley Loop, a little more than a mile from his residence, at about noon Tuesday. Sheriff James Berrong said it was confirmed that it was Hearon's 4-wheeler and that it showed no damage.

About 50 people from the Blount Special Operations Response Team (BSORT), Blount County Sheriff's Office, Blount County Volunteer Rescue Squad, Blount County Fire Department, Rural/Metro Ambulance Service and Great Smoky Mountains National Park searched the area around the ATV and Hearon's residence with the help of Blount County Sheriff's K-9s. Ground searchers conducted a grid search of the area near where the ATV was found and checked on other possible leads given by the family.

During the search, several members of the Hearon family gathered at the ranger station at Abrams Creek Campground and assisted authorities in the search and investigation. Members of the American Red Cross Blount County Chapter also arrived at the command post to bring food and drinks to family and rescue workers.

"We appreciate all of the assistance (Tuesday) from the community and the emergency services community," Berrong said.

Berrong said dozens of people showed up and wanted to help. He said several volunteers will be joining the effort again this morning to continue the search.

"We will continue to do an extensive and thorough search (today)," Berrong said.

Anyone who has any information that could assist in locating Hearon is encouraged to contact the Blount County Sheriff's Office 24-hour hot line at 273-5200.