Autopsy Results Should Shed Light On Death Of Missing ASU Student

Anna Smith

Anna Smith

BOONE, N.C. — Boone police said there is no evidence that an Appalachian State University student was killed, adding that the subject of a week-long search was intent on harming herself.

Boone Police Chief Dana Crawford said Monday in a statement that investigators have found no evidence that 18-year-old Anna Smith of High Point was a victim of homicide. The police chief says a letter that appears to have been written by Smith was found with her body.

Appalachian State University police department had been investigating her disappearance. Since her body was found off campus, Boone police said they took over the investigation.

“We are all terribly saddened at this discovery. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Ms. Smith,” said Crawford in a statement.

Crawford stated a letter was found with Smith’s body.

“To protect the integrity of the investigation, we are not prepared to discuss the content of the letter that appears to have been authored by Ms. Smith,” Crawford said in a statement. “We intend to request a forensic analysis of the letter.”

Crawford stated there are no indications foul play was involved and stated, “there are factors to indicate that Ms. Smith was intent on harming herself.”

Crawford said an autopsy conducted Monday should shed more light on what happened to the student.

Crews had been searching for Smith for several days when they found her body in the woods Saturday.

She disappeared 11 days ago. Police said a North Carolina Drivers License and an Appalachian State University Student Identification card belonging to Anna Marie Smith were found at the scene.

Her body was transported to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for the autopsy.

Investigators have not said how Smith died and they hope Monday’s autopsy will provide answers.The body was found in a wooded area off of Poplar Grove Road near the campus.

Dozens of rescue workers searched more than 13 miles of trails Friday in Avery County for Smith.

Emergency workers said someone called police Friday morning and reported hearing voices and screaming in a ravine as they were jogging on that trail a week ago.

The tipster apparently read a newspaper about the search for Smith and decided to call police.

Officials closed down Profile Trail a short time later.

Appalachian State University’s Chancellor Sheri Everts released an updated statement on Saturday night after Smith’s body was believed to have been found.

Dear Members of the Appalachian Community,

I am deeply saddened to share with you that the search for our missing student Anna Marie Smith has ended tragically. According to the most recent Boone Police Department news release, initial evidence located at the scene indicates that the deceased found off campus earlier today, Sept. 13, is Anna. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with Anna’s family and loved ones during this very difficult time. Having one of our own missing struck the Appalachian community very hard, and this very sad news is heartbreaking for us all.

The loss of Anna will continue to weigh heavy on our hearts. I ask that we all join together to support and care for one another as we mourn.

Over the time Anna was missing, countless people were dedicated to finding her. I express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to law enforcement, her loved ones and friends, our students, faculty and staff, and the many others who devoted countless hours to the search and to ensuring that the message about Anna was seen by so many. We had hoped so much that this search would end differently, yet all of these efforts underscore our belief in just how integral each of us is to this community.

Later this evening, Dean of Students J.J. Brown will send a message to our students, assuring them that resources are available to help students cope with this news. Next week, Student Development will place a memorial book in Plemmons Student Union for Anna’s family. This book will be given to them as an expression of our concern and care. As we receive information regarding services for Anna, a notice will be sent to the campus community with those arrangements. Please keep Anna’s entire family in your thoughts during this difficult time.

It is important for each of us to remember that we are not alone. There are always people in this Appalachian community to whom we can turn for solace, caring counsel, and assistance. I find strength in the great power of our community to support those with broken hearts and burdened spirits who have been powerfully affected by the loss of this bright young light.

With a heavy heart,

 Sheri N. Everts
Chancellor

On Sunday night, friends and family held a candlelight memorial near her hometown of High Point.

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