Deputies seek teen Alec Lansing missing from Jackson County camp

Deputies are looking for a missing Atlanta teenager last seen with a camp in Jackson County on Monday.

According to Jackson County deputies, 17-year-old Alec Lansing walked away from a counselor near Heady Mountain Church Road in the Cashiers area about 2:30 p.m.

There was a reported sighting about 6 p.m. in Cashiers at the Exxon gas station by witnesses, but deputies said they surveillance video was not good enough quality to determine if it was him.

Deputies said friends and family in Atlanta have not heard from him. 

Deputies, the U.S. Forest Service, Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad, Jackson County Emergency Management, Cashiers Fire Department and the North Carolina Highway Patrol helicopter have been searching for him. 

Lansing is described as 5'11" tall, weighs 140 pounds, has brown hair, brown eyes, a slim build and was last seen wearing a red hoodie, black pants and gray boots with a drawstring backpack.

Deputies said they do not know if Lansing has left the area. 

They did find a vest in the woods near the camping area where the teen was last seen. Deputies said it is similar to an inexpensive reflective traffic-style vest like DOT may wear, but is easily kept in the pocket or bag. Deputies said this style of vest is used to help keep track of the teens at the camp.

Crews are continuing to search on foot and by ATV and hope to use the helicopter again on Friday.

Anyone with information about the missing teen is asked to contact 828-586-1911.