‘Missing in America’ series brings national focus to missing Panola County woman’s story

PANOLA COUNTY, TX (KLTV) - The case of a missing East Texas woman is receiving national attention, with hope that someone might have a tip to give local law enforcement.

‘Missing in America,’ which is part of the Dateline news program, is covering the story of Lauren Colvin Thompson, 32, who was last seen on January 10, 2019. She called 911 at 2:24 that afternoon, saying she was in a wooded area and thought someone was chasing her.

The dispatcher said that Thompson sounded disoriented and confused during the call, which lasted around 20 minutes. They believe her cell phone died during the call. No one has heard from her since, though her car was located by cell phone pings retrieved during the call. It was stuck in a ditch off of FM 1794, just west of the Rock Hill community.

Lauren Elizabeth Thompson, 32, is still missing.

According to officials, a search was conducted for several hours using an off-road UTV, tracking dogs, and a law enforcement heat-detecting drone. However, Thompson was not found.

Thompson’s family is offering a $5000 reward for credible information leading to the safe return or recovery of Thompson.

Thompson is described as approximately 5′ 5″ tall , and weighing about 190 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Thompson was last seen wearing dark colored pants or leggings and a dark-colored hoodie, according to the sheriff’s office. If you have any tip at all, please call the sheriff at 903-693-0333.