Missing Professor Found Dead Near Campsite

The search for an Arizona State University professor has ended with bad news: Rescuers found the body of 59-year-old Debra Schwartz about a half-mile from her campsite in Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, reports the Arizona Republic. It's not clear how she died yet. Schwartz had been camping alone, and the campsite alerted authorities when she failed to check out. A rescue team rappelled into the canyon Sunday, the third day of searching, and located her body, reports ABC 15.

Schwartz taught English composition and business writing at the college, and she also volunteered with homeless senior citizens to teach them how to write their life stories. “This is obviously a woman who cared deeply and was very empathetic about people who she wanted to give a voice to, and give them an opportunity to share their life story,” says the director of center where she volunteered. (More missing person stories.)