Police: Body of missing App State student found with letter

BOONE, NC (WBTV) -

Boone Police say a body found off Poplar Grove Road is that of missing Appalachian State University student Anna Marie Smith, the18-year-old freshman who was last seen oncampuson September 2.

Boone Police say aNorth Carolina Drivers License and an Appalachian State UniversityStudent Identification card belonging to Anna Marie Smith were found at the scene.

They also say aletter was found with the body, which "appears to have been authored" by Smith. Police are not releasing the contents of that letter, but say that it will be sent for forensic analysis.

Police say that although they can't release much information about the on-going investigation, they do want to address concerns from the citizens of Boone, as well as students and faculty at the college.

"We intend to work this case as any death investigation," Boone Chief of Police Dana Crawford said. "At this point we do not have direct information that there is foul play. In fact, there are factors to indicate that Ms. Smith was intent on harming herself. I know this is difficult for family and friends to hear, but these are facts."

The body was discovered by a woman and her husband who were out walking Saturday morning.

"My husband and I were out here," the woman told a 911 dispatcher after making the discovery, "We came up the hillside, and we believe we have found the body of Anna Smith."

Investigators tell WBTVSmith's body was discovered just 300 yards from where she was last seen.Students say that is troubling.

"How is she that close to campus and just now she's been found it definitely makes you wonder," said Brian Allen.

Go here to see the original:
Police: Body of missing App State student found with letter