Lexington, South Carolina — Police are continuing their search for a South Carolina woman who disappeared after leaving a gym last week, releasing new photographs and surveillance details in hopes that someone may recognize her movements and help investigators locate her.
Elena Katherine Moore, 39, has not been seen since Thursday evening after leaving a Planet Fitness location in Lexington, a community just west of Columbia. Authorities say her disappearance has raised concern among family members, friends, and investigators because her behavior leading up to her disappearance appears to be out of character.
As the search enters another week, police are urging anyone who may have seen Moore to come forward.
Surveillance Video Provides New Timeline
According to the Lexington Police Department, Moore checked into Planet Fitness at approximately 6:40 p.m. Thursday.
Investigators say she was later observed leaving the gym and walking toward a wooded area located behind a nearby Lowe’s Home Improvement store.
Newly obtained surveillance footage released by police on Tuesday helped establish additional details about her movements that evening.
Authorities said video shows Moore walking through the Publix parking lot located at 100 Old Cherokee Road at approximately 9:17 p.m. She was reportedly wearing the same olive-green zip-up hoodie and black athletic pants she had on when she left the gym.
Police said she appeared to be walking toward Old Cherokee Road.
The following day, Moore was officially reported missing.
Friends Say Her Disappearance Is Unusual
People who know Moore say her sudden disappearance is completely unlike her.
Moore works as a personal trainer, and investigators have described her absence as highly unusual.
Lauren Beasley, a friend of Moore’s, said their last conversation took place about a month ago and nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
“She did not say anything personal about anything she was going through. She got married last year, but she didn’t say anything about her relationship or work or anything personal,” Beasley said.
Friends have also noted a significant change in Moore’s online activity.
According to Beasley, Moore has not posted on social media for about a month, something she described as very unlike the normally active fitness professional.
“She is very active on social media so her going radio silent for the last month is out of character.”
Extensive Search Efforts Yield No Results
Law enforcement agencies have conducted multiple searches in areas where Moore was last seen.
Investigators initially deployed drones and conducted a preliminary search shortly after she was reported missing. However, authorities found no evidence indicating her whereabouts.
On Monday, Lexington police joined several state and local agencies in a larger operation focused on wooded areas behind the Lowe’s store and Planet Fitness.
The effort included assistance from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Department of Natural Resources, and other emergency response teams.
Despite the extensive search, officials reported no significant findings.
“No trace of Ms. Moore was found during the operation,” Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green said.
Authorities emphasized that the operation was intended to systematically eliminate one possible area rather than serve as a recovery effort.
Oakland Baseball Team Sued for $350K After Home Runs Allegedly Damage Nearby Building
Investigation Remains Active
Police say foul play is not currently suspected, although investigators continue working to determine what happened after Moore was last captured on surveillance video.
Her husband, Brannon Slice, reportedly commented on social media that his wife is “not well,” though authorities have not provided additional details regarding that statement.
Investigators also remain uncertain whether Moore has her cellphone with her.
Moore is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, approximately 120 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing an olive-green zip-up hoodie and black athletic pants.
Authorities continue to ask the public for assistance as they work to locate the missing woman.
Anyone with information regarding Moore’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Lexington Police detectives at 803-358-7271 or reach out to Midlands Crimestoppers.
What are your thoughts on this case? Have you seen similar missing-person investigations in your community where public tips played a key role? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.