After her body was recovered, Virginia state police revealed that a note was found in the auto, but police chose not to disclose that fact while still searching for the 31-year-old Mittendorff, of Woodbridge.
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“The National Park Service and Virginia State Police confirm female remains have been found at the scene”. A search team composed of NPS and VSP personnel found the body about 330 yards from the trail in “treacherous, rocky terrain”.
A note was found inside Mittendorf’s vehicle. That sparked nine Virginia State cruisers to race to a desolate parking lot on the eastern boundary of the Shenandoah National Park.
Police did not say the manner in which Mittendorff may have died or provide further details on how her body was located.
Mittendorff was reported missing to the Virginia State Police on Friday, April 15. “She’s dedicated, she’s respected and she’s well-liked among her peers and colleagues”, he said. “It won’t put the fire out, but it will slow it down, and with high humidity, lower temperatures, cloud cover makes it easier for the firefighters to get in closer and do some good work”.
A light rain and cloudy skies Saturday morning provided a respite for firefighters battling the week-old wildfire burning in the southern section of Shenandoah National Park. “We hope and pray for a safe resolution in the near future”. “We thank you for your support and [we] ask that you keep our family in your prayers in the challenging days ahead”.
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A picture of Mittendorff in her firefighter’s uniform was also displayed outside the fire station along with a bouquet of flowers.
