Remains Of Katherine Schneider, 17, Who Went Missing In Bay Area, Found In Park

Teenager Katherine Schneider’s remains were found near Castle Rock State Park in California after she went missing in July. 

Her mother, Nola Schneider, shared the news on her Instagram account. “It’s with heavy hearts that we must announce the devastating news that our beloved Katie Schneider has passed away in a car accident,” she wrote. “The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s office informed us that Katie’s remains were found in the vicinity of her vehicle in a ravine near Castle Rock State Park. At this time, the circumstances surrounding the heartbreaking incident are still under investigation.” 

According to a press release, the remains found were not positively identified as Katherine and as of Saturday, an autopsy is underway by the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner. 

Nola continued to share heartwarming sentiments about her daughter. “It is hard to put into words how much Katie will be missed. Katie was a bright light that brought emotional vibrancy to our everyday lives. She radiated authenticity, thoughtfulness, a great sense of humor, and an unyielding determination. She taught us all how to live our biggest life without reservation.” 

She continued to thank everyone who has been supporting the family and the officers who helped to locate her, “Thank you to all of the agencies, community, and friends who helped in our search for Katie: Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, Search & Rescue teams, federal agencies, FindingKids.org, National Center for Missing and Exploited Kids, private investigators, our friends, Katie’s friends, Saratoga School personnel, the families with home security video, and so many others.” 

She ended her statement by asking for privacy while family and friends grieve the loss of Katherine, “We request that the media refrain from contacting friends and family at this difficult time. Please join us in focusing on the love and joy Katie brought to us and others.”

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Nora has been using her Instagram account to update the public about the search for Katherine. Her first post was on July 23, 18 days after her daughter had gone missing. “Katie left in the car (2019 white Honda Accord Hybrid #8KLK251) without informing us of her plans, and left her belongings behind, making it incredibly challenging for us to locate or establish communication with her,” she explained.

Included in the post was a photo of a poster with pictures of Katherine and her description. 

Nola had been continuously posting on the account to raise awareness and, on Friday, shared the news that Katherine’s car had been found by law enforcement on August 7.