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ELIZABETHTON — A hiker on the Appalachian Trail from Australia died in Carter County this week.
Carter County Sheriff Chris Mathes said the hiker was George Walls Grant, 71, from Collie, Western Australia.
“He appeared to be a hiker who traveled the world to hike,” Mathes said after examining Grant’s passport.
The sheriff’s department said Grant had been hiking the trail and had been picked up by a motorist near the section of the trail where it crosses U.S. 321 at Shooks Branch Recreation Area.
The motorist, James Self of Dennis Cove, said Grant wanted to go to the Roadrunner convenience store in Hampton. While driving to the store, Self said Grant appeared to be having some medical problems.
Self stopped at the Carter County Rescue Squad Station No. 3, which was on the way. Grant was transported to the Sycamore Shoals Hospital Emergency Room by ambulance.
Grant was pronounced dead by County Coroner Benny Colbaugh at 9:15 a.m.
Mathes said there did not appear to be any foul play in the death.