This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The search for the daughter of one of Utah's Piano Guys group, missing since last week in Oregon's rugged Columbia Gorge, has been suspended.
The Portland Police Bureau, which was heading up a massive, multi-agency effort to find 21-year-old Anna Schmidt, confirmed the decision on Monday.
Schmidt, an avid hiker and daughter of musician Jon Schmidt, was last seen by her Portland roommate on Oct. 16 and was reported missing on Oct. 19. Schmidt had moved to Oregon from Salt Lake City in July.
Her car was found parked off Interstate 84, near Bonneville Dam and the Tooth Rock Trailhead, last Thursday.
Authorities believe Schmidt, who had just bought a new tent and backpack, had set out to hike one of the many trails in the gorge.
Portland police Sgt. Pete Simpson said that more than 150 miles of the trail system had been searched by late Sunday. More than a dozen agencies — including deputies and search and rescue units from Multnomah, Washington, Clatsop, Clackamas and Hood River counties — joined Portland police in a three-day effort that included aircraft, ground crews and dogs.
"No signs of Anna Schmidt have been found," Simpson stated, explaining that the search was being suspended pending new information or developments.
Schmidt's mother, Michelle, told Portland news station KOIN 6 that her hopes for her daughter's survival had faded.
"I don't think she's still alive. I don't think she's survived," she said. "Honestly, that brings me comfort knowing she is with her Heavenly Father, that she's not hurting, that she's not suffering. But we do want to find her body."
Schmidt is described as white, 5-foot-4, 125 pounds and having brown hair and brown eyes.
Oregon officials ask that anyone who may have seen her call 911.
Twitter: @remims