LOS GATOS – Human remains found in the Santa Cruz Mountains nearly two weeks ago belong to missing Saratoga teenager Katherine Schneider, according to authorities.
The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office used fingerprints to identify the body, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post Tuesday.
The remains were discovered near Castle Rock State Park in unincorporated Los Gatos on Aug. 12. Katherine’s family previously said they belonged to the teenager.
“It is hard to put into words how much Katie will be missed,” the family said in a statement on Aug. 13. “She taught us all how to live our biggest life without reservation.”
In the same statement, the family said the sheriff’s office told them Katherine had died in a car accident and that her remains were found in a ravine near the state park.
Katherine was reported missing after she left her home on July 5 without taking money, identification cards or her cellphone. Authorities searched three counties before finding her white 2019 Honda Accord on Skyline Boulevard, followed by her remains.
Related Articles
Police locate Oakland woman reported missing in 2015
Missing Santa Ana hiker found dead in Sierra Nevada; wife saw his tracking dot stop moving
Missing Sierra Nevada hiker found dead; wife saw his tracking dot stop moving
In aftermath of Hilary, San Bernardino Mountains resident remains missing as search of river continues
Body of missing Bay Area man found in San Pablo Bay
“On behalf of the entire Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, our thoughts and prayers are with the Schneider family as they mourn the loss of Katherine,” the agency said.
