Female remains were found in the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia on Thursday during the search for a paramedic-firefighter who disappeared a week ago, the National Park Service said.
The ground search for Nicole Mittendorff of Woodbridge, Virginia, was called off about 2 p.m. after the remains were found in a remote location more than a mile from the Whiteoak Canyon parking area, the Park Service and Virginia State Police said in a news release. The release did not definitively identify the remains as those of Mittendorff, however. Authorities announced a news conference for Thursday evening.
Mittendorff’s car was found in the parking area on Saturday, a day after she was reported missing when she didn’t show up for her job with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. Law enforcers say the remains were found about 330 yards from the trail in treacherous, rocky terrain.
Mittendorff, 31, is an avid runner and tri-athlete; her family said earlier this week that she may have been training on a trail near where her car was found.
About 100 search and rescue team members from several agencies combed a steep, rocky and forested 10-square-mile section of the 300-square-mile Shenandoah National Park, park spokeswoman Sally Hurlbert said earlier this week. Searchers have been out daily since Mittendorff was reported missing.
Fairfax County Fire Chief Richard Bowers praised Mittendorff this week as the search went on. “She’s dedicated, she’s respected and she’s well-liked among her peers and colleagues,†he said.
A Facebook page titled Find Nicole provided updates on the search. At 6:13 p.m. Thursday, a note appeared saying, “Our hearts are broken. We thank you for your support and ask that you keep our family in your prayers in the challenging days ahead.â€