Boone community concerned for woman reported missing

BOONE, N.C.,None — Community members in Boone fear the worst after a woman with ties to the area was reported missing.

The last time family members saw Dara Watson was at her parents’ store a week ago, leaving to go back to Charleston.

The sign outside Watsonatta Western World says the business is closed because of a family tragedy.  Someone scribbled a note nearby, saying they are praying for the family.

Nearby businesses like MC Adams Clothier have posted the story about Watson being missing on their Facebook page.

“(For) everybody here in Boone, it hit so close to home,” said business owner Megan Adams. “It is really sad. We're all just praying for her and the family, that they will find her.”

According to police reports, Watson's boss in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., reported her missing last week. Since then, her SUV was found burned and abandoned in the Francis Marion National Forest.

Police launched a massive search this past weekend, hoping to find the missing 30-year-old.

Police said her fiance said the two had gotten into a fight last Monday night and that she left Tuesday. Then they got a 911 call Friday about a possible suicide at the couple's home.  Inside, they found Watson’s fiance dead and a gun nearby.

All of the developments have people in Boone fearing the worst.

“It doesn't sound too promising,” Jamie Duncan said. “The whole situation is very scary. This is a small town, so anytime something like this happens it is a big deal.”

And according to a police report, Watson’s sister got a text from her last Wednesday and things seemed fine, but police can't say for sure that Watson was the one who sent that text.

WSOC