Search for Missing Woman in South Carolina Continues

A South Carolina woman, Elena Katherine Moore, 39, disappeared after leaving a Planet Fitness gym in Lexington, a suburb of Columbia. The Lexington Police Department reported that Moore was last spotted walking towards a wooded area on Thursday evening, after signing in at the gym around 6:40 p.m.

Authorities noted Moore was observed heading towards the trees behind a nearby Lowe’s Home Improvement store. Her disappearance was reported the next day, and her colleagues stressed that her sudden absence is unusual as she works as a personal trainer.

The police department employed a drone and conducted an initial search of the location where Moore disappeared, although no signs were found. On Monday, local and state agencies joined in a broader search surrounding the Lowe’s and Planet Fitness areas. This effort included the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Department of Natural Resources, and other emergency response teams.

“The operation was a careful attempt to eliminate the wooded area as a possible location,” Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green stated, clarifying that the search was not a recovery mission.

No evidence of Moore was discovered. She is described as a White woman, standing 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighing approximately 120 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen in an olive-green zip-up hoodie and black athletic pants. Investigators are uncertain if she has her cellphone.

Officials urge anyone with information regarding Moore’s whereabouts to reach out to detectives at 803-358-7271 or contact Midlands Crimestoppers.