Police: Virginia firefighter missing, car found abandoned at a local national park

MADISON COUNTY, Va. (ABC7) — Search efforts continued for a missing 31-year-old firefighter Monday morning in the Shenandoah National Park, according to the Virginia State Police.

Police say they're concentrating the search in the region of White Oak Canyon Trail, where Nicole K. Mittendorff's 2009 Mini Cooper was found Saturday night.

Police say at this time there is no evidence to indicate foul play in her disappearance.

According to Virginia State Police, a search for Mittendorf at the Shenandoah National Park was suspended Sunday evening.

On Sunday, Virginia State Police said in a press release that, "At this stage of the search and investigation, there is no evidence to suggest anything suspicious in nature of her disappearance."

Police say Mittendorff was reported missing on Friday to Virginia State Police.

Mittendorff is described by police as a white woman standing 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 125 pounds. Police say she has blonde hair and green eyes. Police add that Mittendorff last had contact with her family on Wednesday, April 13.

Virginia State Police and U.S. National Park Police spent Saturday night in Madison County looking for Mittendorff by ground and air. Authorities continued their search all day on Sunday.

Police say Sunday evening's search was suspended only due to the "remote nature of the area and treacherous terrain."

Mittendorff's father stated in a facebook post that he last heard from his daughter via a text message Wednesday morning. He describes her as an active athlete and runner and said she may have gone on a trail in the park to train for an upcoming race.

In a phone interview on Sunday Mittendorff's sister said the missing 31-year-old is very dedicated to her job and when she didn't show up for her Friday morning shift they became concerned.

Her sister also said during the interview that the family is asking for the public's help.

"We're just hoping that people will see her picture, notice her picture be aware if they see anything please contact Virginia State Police. We hope that the effort of Virginia State Police and others are successful and that a very safe resolution for everyone is in our future."

A website and a facebook page were created by Mittendorrff's loved ones in an effort to locate her, and people have been sharing her picture around the Country.

Virginia State Police are asking anyone with information on Mittendorff's location to call 703-803-0026 or #77 on a cell phone or 9-1-1 or email at questions@vsp.virginia.gov.

This story has been updated, Monday, April 18, 2016