Update on search for woman in Fort Yargo State Park

Issued by the Winder Police Department

UPDATE: Ground and water search at Fort Yargo concludes; police continue search for Erica Gibson

WINDER, Ga. — Sept. 3, 2026 — The Winder Police Department and other agencies are concluding the ground and water search at Fort Yargo State Park for 21-year-old Erica Gibson.

During the investigation, officers received information indicating that Gibson left Fort Yargo on her own Wednesday evening. Based on that information, search operations at the park are being discontinued.

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 appreciates the assistance of the Winder Fire Department, Barrow County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) 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.

Fort Yargo State park will resume normal operations this afternoon at 6:30 p.m.