16 years since Charlotte college student vanished in California

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Sunday, it will be 16 years since a Charlotte college student vanished in California.

Kristen Modafferi was a student at N.C. State University, and Eyewitness News spoke with her family's neighbor who has made it her life's goal to find Kristen.

"She is almost like a daughter of mine," said Joan Petruski.

While it has been 16 years since Modafferi's disappearance, Petruski, and her missing persons nonprofit organization is still in the business of hope.

"People have to remember her," said Petruski.Modafferi, a Providence High School graduate, was 18 when she was last seen leaving her job at a coffee house in San Francisco.

The sophomore at N.C. State University was taking a summer course at the University of California at Berkely.Police suspected foul play, but never found her.

"No, there is no news," said Petruski.

Petruski started the Kristen Foundation. It has helped hundreds of families with missing members by raising money, placing billboards and organizing search and rescue teams.

On Saturday night, she is holding out hope that the anniversary of Kristen's disappearance will help bring new information.

"It is very frustrating when I can't find her. It was like my first," she said.While new leads in Kristen's case come slowly, Petruski said they will not stop looking for the woman she considers a daughter.

"Your heart is broken and a piece is missing and you know she is out there," said Petruski.

WSOC