A Northern California teen who vanished while doing research for a school project was found dead on Thursday, though foul play is not suspected, authorities said.
The parents of Dante de la Torre, 16, reported Wednesday that he disappeared while out collecting soil samples near the Gold Run Rest Area off Interstate 80.
The remote wooded area is about 60 miles north of the California State Capitol in Sacramento, officials said.
According to the Placer County Sheriff's Office, a junior from Colfax High School was found dead this afternoon in a remote wooded area near the rest stop.
The coroner is still set to investigate, though there is no indication that Dante's death was foul play, according to the sheriff.
We offer our condolences to the family of de la Torre and friends of Dante during this unbelievably tragic time. The disappearance of the student caused an instant outpouring of concern from the community, forcing law enforcement and school officials to ask well wishers not to search on their own, fearing such efforts could throw off police dogs who were out looking for him.
Colfax High School, along with the entire Placer Union High School District, is heartbroken to learn of Dante de la Torre as reported by the Placer County Sheriff's Office. Such tragedies, especially when they involve young people, are very hard to process.