Missing Virginia Woman: Search at Remote Park to Resume Tuesday

MADISON, VA — State troopers will return Tuesday morning in the Shenandoah National Park, trying to locate a Fairfax firefighter and Woodbridge resident.

Nicole Mittendorff's 2009 Mini Cooper was found abandoned Saturday night in a remote section of the park in Madison County, according to Virginia State Police.

Mittendorff, 31, was expected to report for work on Friday, but did not show up. Her last contact with her family was on Wednesday, April 13.

There is no evidence to indicate foul play in her disappearance, according to state police spokesperson Corinne Geller.

Approximately 100 federal, state and volunteer search and rescue team spent Monday searching on land and from the air to locate Mittendorff. They're searching miles of federal park land surrounding the Whiteoak Canyon trail where her car was found.

Due to the steep, challenging terrain in the area, search efforts were concluding at sundown Monday and expected resume again early Tuesday morning, according to Geller.

Family and friends have created a website and Facebook page to help release information in the search.

"Our deepest appreciation is to Virginia State Police, all the family of first responders and untold numbers of people who helped and are helping. It is a tribute to their commitment to the value of life," they wrote on Sunday. "Our fondest hope is a safe and soon resolution."

Mittendorff is a white female with blonde hair and green eyes. She is 5’6 and weighs approximately 125 lbs.

Anyone with information concerning her whereabouts is asked to call Virginia State Police at 703-803-0026 or #77 on a cell phone or 911 or email at questions@vsp.virginia.gov.

Photos of crews involved in Monday's search teams, Virginia State Police.