‘Very wounded folks’
Lovell’s disappearance had gripped the picturesque university town of about 40,000 people.
“I’m scared to death,” her father, David Lovell, told CNN affiliate WDBJ-TV before she was found.
Police, the family and members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets searched for the girl, according to a statement from the school. Wilson said Lovell’s body will be returned for an autopsy, and authorities will work to reconstruct a timeline leading up to her death.
The university said it is reaching out to those affected by the tragedy.
“As a father, as well as Virginia Tech’s president, I want to reassure you that our community is supportive and resilient,” Virginia Tech President Tim Sands said in an open letter. “Lean on that support and the resources available to you. It is normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed at a time such as this. You are not alone.”
The police chief said the Blacksburg community is reeling from the girl’s death.
“We have some very wounded folks in this community and please show them some respect,” Wilson said. “We will continue to be very transparent with you during this investigation, but please remember these are the kinds of crimes that rip communities apart.”