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ASU police track missing student's actions, no foul play suspected

BOONE, N.C. — UPDATE at 5:11 p.m. Sept. 4: A preliminary investigation conducted by Appalachian State University Police into a report of a missing 18-year-old student has found nothing to suggest that the student's actions are anything other than voluntary, according to officials with ASU.

Police at Appalachian State University are asking for the public's help to locate a missing student.

Investigators said Anna Smith, 18, was last seen Tuesday afternoon, leaving her dorm room at ASU.
 
"We had reports that she left to go out. We certainly don't know where those whereabouts are, and that's part of the challenge in terms of finding her," said ASU Dean of Students JJ Brown.
 
Officials said Smith's parents, who live in High Point, arrived on campus late Wednesday night after police opened an official investigation into her disappearance.
 
Police said they had no reason to believe foul play was involved, but said they are concerned for her well-being.
 
"Every of our students matter and we can't take that chance and won't take that chance," Brown said.
Smith's fellow students were shocked by the news and called ASU a safe campus.
 
"Now that I know about it, I'm a little worried. If she hasn't been seen for two days, we should take action and do something about it, because there's always a first time for everything," said ASU junior Talia Gaddis.
 
Police said anyone who has seen Smith  or social media posts from her should contact University Police at 828-262-2150.

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