The body of 17-year-old Katherine Schneider has been found in the Santa Cruz mountains, just over a month after she was reported missing from her Saratoga home, according to a statement her family shared on Instagram.
“It is hard to put into words how much Katie will be missed,” the teen’s family said in a social media post on Sunday. “She taught us all how to live our biggest life without reservation.”
According to the post, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office told Schneider’s family that she had died in a car accident, and that her remains were found in a ravine near Castle Rock State Park.
“At this time, the circumstances surrounding the heartbreaking incident are still under investigation,” the post stated.
On July 5, Schneider left her residence without taking money, identification cards, or a cell phone with her, Schneider’s mother said in a social media post. After she was reported missing, a search for the teenager began across three counties. Last week, Schneider’s car — a white 2019 Honda Accord — was found on Skyline Boulevard near Castle Rock State Park.
On Sunday afternoon, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that human remains were found near the park. The county’s Office of the Medical Examiner-Coroner is still conducting an investigation to “confirm the identity of the person located.”