(Buena Vista, VA) – Authorities in Buena Vista are still searching for a man they say was last seen during the Memorial Day weekend.

Approximately 80 public safety and search and rescue personnel spent the day conducting an extensive search of the Panther Falls area of Amherst County.  Chad H. Austin, 30, was last seen by campers and his 2006 Hyundai Tiburon and his beloved mixed-breed dog, Gunner, were found abandoned about 12:30 p.m. the next day.

Buena Vista police chief Richard Hartman addressed the search teams flanked by Austin’s Family stating, “We are greatly appreciative of the many federal, state, local and private resources dedicated to Saturday’s search for Chad.  This was an extremely organized, thorough search operation that covered some of this area’s most treacherous and challenging terrain. We are fortunate to have had such highly-trained, experienced search and canine teams conducting the operation.” Hartman Continued, “This is, and will remain, an active investigation until we can bring Chad home to his family. We are still urging anyone who may recall seeing Chad, his car or even his dog, Gunner, at any time over the Memorial Day weekend to please contact us. No detail is too minor as it may be the very information, we need to find him.”

Mr. Austin is 6 feet in height and weighs between 150 to 170 lbs. He has brown eyes and long brown hair, and was last seen wearing a gray tank top and long shorts, possibly beige in color. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Buena Vista Police Department or the Virginia State Police.