Body found in Florida is a Stewartville teen missing since 1993

Authorities say remains found in Florida 14 years ago are that of a Stewartville teenager who ran away from home in 1993.

Heather Ann Schmoll was 17 when she ran away with an unknown boyfriend in her dad's car. She hadn't been heard from since 1994.

Her disappearance was reported last year, when Schmoll's sister went to the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office.

The investigation led authorities to Flagler County, Florida, north of Daytona beach. A woman's body had been found in a field there in 1994. Authorities used DNA to confirm that the body was Schmoll's.

Detective Lee Rossman said the cause of death will be listed as undetermined because the body was decomposed. He says a drug overdose is a contributing factor.

The Schmoll family released a statement saying that Heather will continue to be missed.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.