UPDATE: Missing 21-year-old located safe

UPDATE: Winder authorities advise that Erica Gibson has been located in the Atlanta area and is safe.

“She is no longer considered missing. Thank you to everyone who assisted with the search and shared information,” City of Winder advised in a press release September.

Fort Yargo was opened back up to the public at 6:30 p.m.

WINDER, Ga. — Sept. 3, 2026 — The Winder Police Department and other agencies have concluded the ground and water search at Fort Yargo State Park for 21-year-old Erica Gibson. However, the search for the missing woman remains ongoing.

Fort Yargo State Park was temporarily closed Thursday as multiple agencies searched for Gibson. According to a press release from the City of Winder, the search began after Gibson’s cell phone was found at Fort Yargo on Wednesday. Based on information gathered during the investigation, officers became concerned about Gibson’s emotional well-being. At this time, there is no indication that foul play is involved.

“The discovery of Gibson’s phone prompted authorities to begin trying to locate her. During the investigation, authorities learned information that raised concerns about her emotional well-being, prompting an extensive search of the park and surrounding area,” officials stated in the press release.

Agencies involved in the search included the Winder Police Department, Winder Fire Department, Barrow County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, and Georgia State Patrol Dive Team.

The search was discontinued and the park reopened at 6:30 p.m. after officers received information indicating that Gibson had left Fort Yargo on her own Wednesday evening. However, the search for Gibson remains ongoing. Winder Police continue to follow leads and are working to locate Gibson to ensure her safety and well-being.

The Winder Police Department expressed its appreciation to the Winder Fire Department, Barrow County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, GADNR Parks and Historic Sites Division, and Georgia State Patrol Dive Team, as well as everyone who assisted with the search at Fort Yargo.

Gibson is 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 132 pounds. She was last seen wearing blue jean shorts and a green and gray shirt.

Anyone who sees Gibson or has information about her whereabouts should call 911 immediately. Information may also be provided to the Winder Police Department at 678-425-6849 or wayne.manthe@cityofwinder.com.