05/17/2026
UPDATE: 5/18/2026 4:30 PM
SALEM HAS BEEN LOCATED AND IS SAFE! 🩷🙌🏻
Please continue to pray for the Carpenter family and Salem. If you're able, please join a search party. The comments in this shared post have contact information for group contacts and area assignments
The collaboration between area law enforcement and our town's citizens is beautiful. đź©·
We continue to pray and believe for Salem's safe return home. đź©·
🙏 Update: Salem Carpenter has been found safe! Monday, 4:30pm!!! 🙏
He was found on a farm several miles from his home. Thank you to every first responder, search team, volunteer, neighbor, and community member who prayed, shared posts, searched, and helped bring Salem home.
🚨 UPDATE: Monday, 5/18/2026 8:00am🚨
Salem Carpenter, age 14, is still missing. Search efforts are continuing this morning with law enforcement and a new Search & Rescue group from South Carolina as well.
Search volunteers are asked to meet at 9:00 AM at:
📍 2066 Ashmore Barden Rd, Lincolnton, GA
Please check in for assignments and directions on how to help.
Contact numbers on flyer below if you see him, please call. He was wearing Black or Navy gym shorts, Dark shirt, black tennis shoes or brown slide on shoes. He loves the woods and the water, he also likes to climb trees and loves cool ranch Doritos. A lot of teams are searching, Thank you! We will do our best to update here if there are any changes. Please keep Salem and his family in your prayers.
At this point, nearly 48 hours have passed, please continue to keep watch across Lincoln County and the CSRA particularly surrounding lake and wooded areas, including roadsides, shorelines, docks, ponds, creeks, outbuildings, sheds, barns, campers, boats, deer stands, tree lines, and any quiet or shaded areas where someone could rest or take shelter.
Infrared cameras last night were used, but with no success.
Share with your friends and family!
Stay safe and thank you again for helping.