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Search for missing Fairfax County firefighter enters sixth day Body found near scene of search for missing firefighter, officials say
(about 5 hours later)
Search teams returned to Shenandoah National Park for the sixth straight day on Thursday in the hopes of finding a Fairfax County firefighter who disappeared last week. Search teams discovered a woman’s body in Shenandoah National Park Thursday, following six days of intensive searching for a missing Fairfax County firefighter whose car was found in the park last Saturday, according to the National Park Service.
The Fairfax County fire department also announced Thursday it will send 30 personnel to conduct a wide-ranging search of the park on Saturday and Sunday. Officials did not immediately say whether the body was that of Nicole K. Mittendorff, 31, of Woodbridge. But they said in a press release that the remains were discovered in a remote location more than a mile from the Whiteoak Canyon Trail parking area where Mittendorff's Mini Cooper was left.
Virginia state police said Wednesday night that physical and digital evidence that they have collected has been critical in focusing the search operations since Nicole K. Mittendorff's abandoned Mini Cooper was discovered in a pullout near the Whiteoak Canyon Trail on Saturday night. Virginia State Police and National Park Service personnel discovered the body around 2 p.m. about 330 yards from the trail in treacherous rocky terrain, the release said. Investigators are still processing the scene.
Mittendorff’s family posted on Facebook that they were devastated by the news.
“Our hearts are broken,” the message read. “We thank you for your support and ask that you keep our family in your prayers in the challenging days ahead.”
National Park Service and Virginia State Police will conduct a press conference at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the case.
Virginia state police said Wednesday night that physical and digital evidence that they have collected has been critical in focusing the search operations.
Nearly 80 personnel from the National Park Service, Virginia state police and other groups combed locations near the Hawksbill and Crescent Rocks area Wednesday.Nearly 80 personnel from the National Park Service, Virginia state police and other groups combed locations near the Hawksbill and Crescent Rocks area Wednesday.
Mittendorff’s family had previously said files on Mittendorff's cellphone that were given to law enforcement officials Wednesday might provide key evidence to locate her. State police have declined to comment on what that evidence is, and the family is not discussing it. State police said they are also still establishing a timeline of Mittendorff's movements following her last contact with the family, and they still have no indication of foul play in the case. Mittendorff’s family had previously said files on Mittendorff's cellphone that were given to law enforcement officials Wednesday might provide key evidence to locate her. State police have declined to comment on what that evidence is, and the family is not discussing it. State police have previously said there was no indication of foul play in the case.
The renewed search comes after family members and colleagues held a vigil for Mittendorff on Wednesday night in Burke, Va., at Fire Station 32, where Mittendorff worked as a firefighter and paramedic. Relatives of Mittendorff, 31, of Woodbridge said they last had contact with her via a text message on the morning of April 13. Fairfax County fire department officials said she called in sick that day. Mittendorff was officially reported missing when she failed to show for work last Friday. The discovery of the body comes after family members and colleagues held a vigil for Mittendorff on Wednesday night in Burke, Va., at Fire Station 32, where Mittendorff worked as a firefighter and paramedic. Relatives of Mittendorff, 31, of Woodbridge said they last had contact with her via a text message on the morning of April 13. Fairfax County fire department officials said she called in sick that day. Mittendorff was officially reported missing when she failed to show for work last Friday.
Jennifer Clardy Chalmers, Mittendorff’s sister, thanked everyone who participated in the vigil.Jennifer Clardy Chalmers, Mittendorff’s sister, thanked everyone who participated in the vigil.
“We are very touched by the outpouring of support from everyone at the vigil,” Chalmers wrote in an email. “It was an emotional evening and our family is unable to find words to adequately say thank you to everyone involved. Police, fire, extended family, friends and even strangers have all offered support. We are overwhelmed and grateful. We continue to focus on the search to find Nicole and ask that anyone who has seen or heard anything to please contact Virginia State Police.” “We are very touched by the outpouring of support from everyone at the vigil,” Chalmers wrote in an email. “It was an emotional evening and our family is unable to find words to adequately say thank you to everyone involved. Police, fire, extended family, friends and even strangers have all offered support.”