North Georgia Missing Woman Search

Click HERE for the latest about a body found believed to be the body of Judy Payne.

A search is underway at the Cloudland Canyon State Park for a woman missing from Rock Springs, Georgia.

A park ranger was patroling around 10:30 last night when he found 46-year-old Judy Payne's car abandoned with personal belongings left inside.

When contacted Payne's husband told authorities he last saw his wife around 7 am Monday and he knew of no plans she had to visit Cloudland Canyon Park.

Numerous emergency service agencies have been called out to search for Payne. Right now authorities have no evidence of foul play and are simply calling it a "missing persons case."

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Dade County Sheriff's Office are taking the lead on the search efforts. Many DNR employees, and volunteers from across the state participated in the search. A DNR helicopter spent much of the day circling the canyon. Search dogs and ground crews combed the land looking for clues.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist. They removed Payne's car from the scene for processing. Payne's husband Mark, and her daughter were both questioned by the GBI. Agents also removed Mark Payne's pick up truck for processing.

Sheriff Patrick Cannon says, right now, there isn't much to go on and the only evidence is the car and what was inside. Cannon says there is no evidence of foul play.

Search crews worked through heavy rainshowers and thunderstorms. They are expected to continue searching through the evening.