“We wish we had better news,” The Piano Guys wrote early Thursday morning as the group’s search for Annie Schmidt, missing hiker of member Jon Schmidt, ended. “We were not able to find Annie. The search is being discontinued at this time in consideration of the health and well-being of everyone involved.”
However, the group wrote, “all is not lost.” As they leave the Oregon site where Annie went missing nearly two weeks ago, they reflect on a message from Annie’s mother, Michelle.
“I desire for everyone to know, who has exercised their faith in behalf of our family, your faith has not gone unanswered. We have been literally carried and sustained through day after day. We have felt a calm and a peace beyond ourselves that have enabled us to get up each morning and function and do what needs to be done that day to continue our efforts to find our daughter. We know that this is a result of your prayers. Thank you (times a million).
We have been unable to find our sweet daughter’s body at this time. But these things we know. We know that Heavenly Father has heard the countless prayers and combined faith exercised by people literally all over the world. We know He has heard us, and if He chooses to not show us where to find her, then we trust that there is a purpose in this. We know we are in His hands. We know He loves us and everyone who has reached out in such kindness and support. We can feel peace in putting our lives in His hands and pray that His purposes will be fulfilled in this whole experience.”
This tragic times comes at what was supposed to be a happy month for the Schmidt family and The Piano Guys; the release of their newest album, Uncharted, is set to take place this Friday, along with a brand new music video.
Should new leads develop in the case, the search for Annie may resume.
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Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
