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Hundreds search for Fayette Co. woman missing for weeks

BULLSKIN TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The family of Leah Owens is grateful for the help they've received as they continue to search for her.

"It's very hard right now, but obviously we have a lot of support and that just helps out tremendously," Maggie Kern, Leah's aunt said.

Owens disappeared Sept. 17 in Mount Pleasant.

Close to 300 volunteers and firefighters searched the woods in Fayette County Sunday, hoping to find Owens.

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They focused their search in a heavily wooded section of Green Lick Hollow in Bullskin Township, on foot, with dogs and using all-terrain vehicles.

Relatives knew something was wrong when Owens didn't show at a fundraiser for her mom, who has cancer.

"She's all about family," Kern said. "For her to up and disappear, that would never happen."

Police found Owens' SUV last week, but have not pinpointed exactly where it was discovered.

"Hopefully we can bring some closure to the family," volunteer Scott Dextraudeur said.

"It touches home, it's a local girl," Jamie Vrolinger added.

The Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department helped organize the search along with the nonprofit group, Bring Our Missing Home.

The command post was set up at the Bullskin Township Fairgrounds.

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One couple doesn't even know Owens, but wanted to lend a hand.

"I know if it was one of my loved ones I would want the community as involved as possible to bring my loved one home or to find closure," Tiffany Clark said.

"This is what I love about our little community, we can all pull together in times of need," John Clark said.

Pennsylvania State Police are handling the case, but were not involved in the search.