Harringtons organize volunteer search for missing daughter

The parents of a missing Virginia Tech student announced today that a nonprofit center specializing in searching for abductees will organize another search using community volunteers.

The Laura Recovery Center for missing children will hold a meeting Thursday evening at the Cavalier Inn to begin organizing volunteers for the search for Morgan D. Harrington.

Anyone is welcome to participate.

Ed Smart, father of Elizabeth Smart, an abducted girl from Utah who was later found and returned to her family, was on hand to help Harrington’s parents make today’s announcement at University Hall.

Harrington disappeared Oct. 17 after exiting the John Paul Jones Arena during a Metallica concert. Unable to get back in, she called friends and said she would find her own way home.

The Virginia State Police ask anyone with information about Harrington to call 352-3435 or e-mail .

For full details on the upcoming community search, pick up Thursday’s Daily Progress.

Police timeline

All locations are for a woman or women closely matching the description of Morgan Harrington.

• Oct. 17
• 8:20-8:48 p.m. - in several areas immediately outside John Paul Jones Arena, possible including doors, and the side near University Hall.
• 8:48 - Friend calls her on cell phone, Harrington explains situation, says she’ll try to find ride home.
• 9-9:10 - Walking, with her purse, through the University Hall parking area.
• 9:10-9:20 - seen in the grassy overflow parking area at Lannigan Field.
• 9:20-9:30 - Seen on Copeley Road bridge over railroad tracks.

• Oct. 18
• Harrington’s purse is found in overflow parking area at Lannigan Field.