Laura's Birthday

Today is Laura's birthday, and many are celebrating her in thought and action.  While we continue to mourn her absence and grieve her sudden, mysterious disappearance 10 months ago, we know she would want us to pour our love for her into care for our planet and its inhabitants.  Friends and family have cleaned up trash on the beach, planted trees, and otherwise honored Laura with acts of environmental stewardship and appreciation for the earth's bountiful beauty.  Please join us in celebrating Laura.

Special Thanks from Laura's Parents

A special thank you to all the family and friends who gathered in Albuquerque to join us in celebrating the life of our daughter, Laura.

A special thank you to all who could not come to Albuquerque but held Laura’s memory in a special place in their hearts during that time and to all who sent cards and flowers expressing their condolences.

It was a great comfort to all of us to see how much Laura was loved and to see what a positive impact she had on all she met.

Our wish is that your lives will be filled with fun, adventure and much love. Be happy and be safe.

Warmest regards,
Joan and Dick Vogel

Laura Cloud

This Wordle word cloud is composed of words from family members' tributes at the Celebration of Laura's Life in NM on June 26th, 2010. The weight of each word is determined by its frequency in the text.  Click on the image to enlarge it. 

NM Celebration of Laura's Life

On Saturday, June 26th at 10:30 AM, friends and family attended A Celebration of Laura's Life at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya's Cottonwood Pavillion in Bernalillo, NM. Members of Laura's immediate family and close friends shared memories and paid tribute to Laura's unique gifts, including her zest for life, her clever playfulness, her boundless sense of adventure, her reverence for nature, and her kind, open heart.  To read some of these tributes to Laura, see the Honoring Laura page of this blog. 

The event took place on a clear, sunny day, sheltered by statuesque trees, against a colorful desert mountain backdrop. Laura's spirit was fully present in people's beautiful words, in the warm sunlight, and in the cottonwood puffs floating through the air.

Here is a sampling of thoughts that were shared about Laura:

"For me, it was always a comfort knowing that Laura was out there showing all of us another way to live." (Greg, Laura's brother) see more

"She has inspired me to become a better person, to love people, treat them with respect, to respect the environment and most importantly to always laugh." (Susie, Laura's sister) see more

"She changed the way I see things through the adventures we shared, the debates we engaged in, the choices she made, and the way she lived her life." (Tim, Laura's brother) see more

"We will teach our sons the lessons she has taught us…lessons of courage and love and adventure... and Laura will live on in each of us." (Jessica, Laura's sister-in-law) see more

"We all miss her terribly and can’t imagine life without her glowing smile and joyful spirit." (Stephanie, Laura's sister-in-law) see more

Laura's Light Shines On

Though we still do not have the answers we seek about what happened to Laura, loved ones continue to pursue those answers and to keep her in our thoughts and our lives.

An Earth Day event dedicated to Laura took place at Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho, NM. Laura used to teach science and lead the "Tree Hugger" club in Rio Rancho, and former colleagues reestablished the club, held a community tree planting event in her honor, and erected a plaque dedicated to Laura.

In Maui, the local Hawaiian elder "Kupuna" in the area where Laura went missing has become personally involved in the search for her. He held an important blessing ceremony for Laura on Saturday, May 1, which included her family's participation. Laura's family is very grateful for his involvement and are hopeful that it may bring information to the surface.

New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors (NMVFO), a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving New Mexico’s outdoor recreational areas, has dedicated an upcoming trail project to Laura. One of Laura’s many efforts to protect and preserve our earth was volunteering with NMVFO, and this dedicated project honors her service. If you are in New Mexico June 8-13 , please consider joining NMVFO in working on the beautiful South Boundary Trail near Taos, enjoying the outdoors, and maybe even hugging a tree! No prior experience is needed. Please see the NMVFO web site for more details.

Recent press on the quest to find Laura includes another article in the Maui Weekly: Search Continues for Missing Woman.

As always, anyone with any information about what happened to Laura is asked to please e-mail findlauravogel@gmail.com or call any of these numbers:

• Maui Police at 808-244-6400 (Case #10-14126),
• Maui Crime Stoppers at 808-242-6966,
  
• Find Laura Vogel Private Tip Line at 1-888-524-0218.

Many thanks to all who are keeping Laura's light shining in all kinds of ways! Through A World of THANKS, a web site created by a close friend of Laura's, the Vogel family offers A Heartfelt Thank You to all those who have helped with the search - in person, from afar, and through generous donations. Please also consider joining Laura's Legacy group at Kanu Hawaii, where Laura's friends and supporters can honor her through our commitments to the environment and each other.

A celebration of Laura's life.

Although we are not giving up in any way, the family feels it is important for loved ones to come together to honor Laura and celebrate her beautiful life. All are welcome, although we think it is best if children (outside of family) do not attend.

Date: Saturday, June 26, 2010
Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm
Location: The Cottonwood Pavillion, Hyatt Regency Tamaya
Address: 1300 Tuyuna Trail, Santa Ana Pueblo, Bernalillo, NM

Shuttle service will be provided from the Hotel parking lot to the Cottonwood Pavillion. Driving directions can be found at www.tamaya.hyatt.com. Please let us know if you will be attending so we may plan appropriately. Email findlauravogel@gmail.com.

For out-of-towners: A few rooms have been set aside at Hyatt Place Albuquerque Uptown, 6901 Arvada NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Reservations must be made by June 7th to secure the group rate of $94/night. Mention the "Laura Vogel Memorial". Call 505-872-9000.

Latest Coverage

CNN's HLN: Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell broadcast the latest update on Laura's story Tuesday, May 18th.

The entire segment can be viewed online:
No sign of hiker missing in Hawaii

National Attention for Laura's Story

Coverage of Laura's story is scheduled to air Tuesday night, 5/18 on CNN's HLN: Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell, 7pm ET. Please tune in and continue to support the search for Laura!

Continued Coverage

We are not giving up and we are not going away! We will continue to do everything that we can to find Laura and bring her home. We need the people who were with Laura the night she vanished to come forward with information.

Laura's story will be covered next week on CNN's HLN: Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell. Stay tuned for more information...

Search organized for Sunday May 2nd. Volunteers needed.

There is information and/or evidence out there that will lead us to Laura and the searching has not stopped!

A search is being organized for tomorrow, Sunday, May 2nd, and volunteers are needed. Meet at 10am at the Haiku Community Center. Wear long sleeves, hat, hiking shoes, sunscreen and bring water.

THANK YOU ALL for your continued support in the search for Laura!!!

Celebrating Earth Day in Laura's Honor

Today, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, is a great day for acts of environmental stewardship in Laura's honor. It's also a great day to join the Laura's Legacy group at Kanu Hawaii, where you can join others in making commitments in Laura's honor to daily actions that protect the environment, such as recycling, taking reusable bags to the grocery store, or drinking from reusable water bottles. The more people who register their commitments with the simple click of a mouse, the better we can track Laura's positive impact on our beloved planet.

Recent media coverage of Laura's disappearance includes an interview with Laura's mother on Albuquerque's KQRE and an interview with Laura's brother Tim on the Ron and Don Show on Seattle's 97.3 KIRO FM Radio. The segment about Laura runs from about 5 1/2 minutes to about 18 1/2 minutes into the show.

The investigation into Laura's disappearance continues on multiple fronts. Search dogs have been engaged again, volunteers continue to do ground searches, and the police are still pursuing leads.

A racquetball tournament was held on Saturday, April 17th in Las Cruces, NM at Tom Young's Fitness Center and Racquetball Club and raised over $500 for the Find Laura Vogel fund. Thanks to everyone who participated and contributed!

Letter of Thanks

THANK YOU ALL
FROM THE VOGEL FAMILY

This letter is to the 4,100 people who have posted messages on the Find Laura Vogel Facebook page, to the 7,600 who have visited the blogspot site, to the myriads of people who have set up fundraising events, to the people who have sent in tips to the gmail account and the police tip line, to the people who have organized candlelight vigils in her honor, to the hundreds who have made donations large and small to help us search for Laura, to the dozens who have sent us good wishes and remembrances and to the millions of prayers that have been said and are still being said for Laura and our family. By this first sentence alone you can see just how overwhelmed our family is by the response, not only of the people of Maui, but by the whole nation (world). We wish we could contact each and every one of you personally to say “Thank You”!

We know that many of you who do not live on Maui felt helpless while Laura’s friends and family were searching the areas where she went missing. But you did help. You helped by setting up and manning the Facebook and Blogspot and gmail sites on the internet. You helped by starting “LauraLights” and by adding Laura’s Legacy to the Kanu Hawaii web page. You helped through your fundraising, through your vigils, through your postings about your memories of times spent with Laura, by babysitting our sons, by house sitting while we were away, by filling in for us in our jobs. You helped by hugging trees, by hiking in Laura’s name and by showing your appreciation of nature. You helped in so many ways, not the least of which was through the prayers, love, and good wishes you sent our way.

By your responses you showed us what great effect Laura’s bright smile and fun loving personality had on everyone she met. And as you all know she was more than that. In her great delight in the world around her as teacher, hiker, camper, surfer, birder, stargazer, biologist, ecologist, sister, and daughter, she taught us that we need to protect our environment and everyone and everything in it. In her classrooms, which she designated as “safe zones,” she demonstrated to her students that we must respect and protect each other, regardless of who or what we are. Her students respected that attitude, and it is one reason why they have written that she was the best teacher they ever had.

Our hope is that by her example, Laura continues to teach us how to be good to each other and our surroundings. In New Mexico she gave of her free time to the New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors, Albuquerque Wildlife Federation and Wild Earth Guardians. In Hawaii she volunteered time to the Reef Teach Organization. She planted organic gardens, followed a vegetarian diet, and spoke to everyone about the need to be good stewards of God’s creation. You can honor Laura by embracing some of these same ideals in your own lives.

Thank you all for what you have done to help. It means a great deal to us, Laura’s family.

The Vogels

Valiant Volunteers Search On

Many thanks to U.S. Airforce Sargent Gates and Marine Sargent Denz-Marrs, who led a team of recruits yesterday in searching several strategic locations for signs of Laura. The plan is to follow up with a search dog today. The Vogel family is extremely grateful to this dedicated group and to everyone who has helped with search efforts thus far.

If you are wondering how you might show your support for Laura, please consider joining the Laura's Legacy group at Kanu Hawaii and making one or two commitments to caring for the environment in Laura's honor. If we publicly commit to daily acts of care (such as recycling), we can actually track Laura's positive impact on the world. To date, we have collectively committed to keep over 2 tons of trash out of our waste stream. It only takes a minute to join and a second to click on a commitment.

The family is still offering a $10,000 reward for information leading them to find Laura Vogel. If you have any knowledge of where she might be, please e-mail findlauravogel@gmail.com or call any of these numbers:

• Maui Police at 808-244-6400 (Case #10-14126),
• Maui Crime Stoppers at 808-242-6966,
  
• Find Laura Vogel Private Tip Line at 1-888-524-0218.

Fans of the Find Laura Vogel Facebook Page number over 4100, and visitors to this blog have surpassed 7500.

Mahalo, everyone, for your sustained interest in finding Laura!

Celebrating Laura

Here are a few updates on how Laura is being celebrated:

The slide show on the Tributes to Laura page of this blog includes some beautiful new photos of Laura.

A recent Maui Weekly article profiles Laura and the positive impact she's had on those around her: Maui Searches for Laura Vogel.

The Laura's Legacy group at Kanu Hawaii is growing. Please join us in honoring Laura through our commitments to the environment and each other.

Laura's family remains committed to finding answers about what happened to her. The police are still investigating but cannot yet release any more information without risk of compromising the investigation. Anyone who knows anything about what happened at the Pauwela Lighthouse on February 21st is urged to share it through any of these channels:

• Maui Police: 808-244-6400 (Case #10-14126)
• Anonymous tip lines:
  • Maui Crime Stoppers: 808-242-6966
  • Private Tip Line: 888-524-0218
• Private e-mail: findlauravogel@gmail.com

Mahalo!

Laura's Legacy

As a passionate educator and environmentalist, Laura has created a legacy of care through both words and actions. Laura's friends, family, and supporters continue to share inspiring testimony about her positive influence on their lives. As many have attested, Laura's sustained commitment to appreciating and protecting our environment is especially powerful.

In honor of Laura, please consider joining the Laura's Legacy group at Kanu Hawaii. Kanu Hawaii is a nonprofit grassroots organization with a mission to "pursue a vision of a better Hawaii" through "island-style activism," in which participants practice Gandhi's call to "be the change we wish to see in the world." An embodiment of Laura's values, "Kanu Hawaii is a movement of people drawing on island strengths to make Hawaii a model of environmental sustainability, economic resilience and compassionate community." With the click of a mouse, you can join others in making commitments to tangible actions that will have a measurable positive impact on Hawaii and the rest of the planet. For example, 2281 people to date have committed to "using a reusable water bottle and not buying bottled water." Such efforts can keep Laura's legacy present in our daily lives and help to spread it far and wide by raising consciousness and putting Laura's ideals into action. If all of Laura's fans made just a commitment or two in her honor, our impact would be significant.

In the meantime, the investigation into Laura's disappearance continues. If you live on Maui, please consider posting and/or distributing the latest Laura Vogel MISSING poster in local shops, libraries, parks, and other public places.

Mahalo, everyone!

Searching for Answers

Thanks to Lee Cataluna for her well written story in today's Honolulu Advertiser: Family's agonizing search goes on. It captures Laura's beautiful spirit, as well as her family's continued heartbreak at her mysterious disappearance and their persistent quest for answers.

The ongoing investigation is focused on locating the people who were with Laura the night she disappeared and learning from them what happened to her. The family is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading them to find Laura. Anyone who knows anyone who might have been at the Pauwela Lighthouse on Sunday, February 21st is urged to share that information through any of these channels:

• Maui Police: 808-244-6400 (Case #10-14126)
• Anonymous tip lines:
  • Maui Crime Stoppers 808-242-6966
  • Private Tip Line 888-524-0218
• Private e-mail: findlauravogel@gmail.com

Hope remains that someone with useful knowledge and a good heart like Laura's will help to solve this case. Many thanks to the kind and resourceful Maui community for rallying on Laura's behalf!

Open Letter

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF MAUI
FROM THE FAMILY OF LAURA VOGEL

Through the tragedy of our daughter’s/sister’s disappearance, our family was privileged to meet the wonderful people of Maui. You opened your hearts and homes to us. With the outpouring of homemade meals, groceries, gift cards, restaurant meals and cash donations you showed us your care and concern for Laura and our family. Thanks to all of the searchers who devoted so much of their time combing the land, sea, and air for any clues to her whereabouts.

Your prayers sustained us and helped us retain our faith and belief that we would be successful in our search for answers to what happened to our beloved Laura.

You showed us how many good friends Laura made during her short time on your beautiful island. We are humbled by the obvious impact she had on those she met and embraced while she was here.

Our goal throughout our stay on Maui is to find Laura and take her home. Our sincere hope is that her disappearance will in some way effect a positive change in the landscape that is Maui.

We know Laura as a teacher, avid hiker, camper, surfer, stargazer, birder, tree hugger, nature lover, and lover of life, which is all reflected in her receiving her Masters Degree in Wildlife Biology. We know that she was distressed by the amount of trash that has accumulated on the trails and shorelines of this island paradise.

She was always very involved in volunteering her time to organizations that work with the U.S. Forest Service to build and maintain trails, install wildlife watering holes and update trail signs, among other important projects.

If you wish to honor Laura, please consider donating some of your free time to ecological projects. This could be as simple as reduce, reuse, recycle or as time-intensive as picking up the trash off the highways and byways of your neighborhood. Teach your children to respect their surroundings and protect this planet of ours. In that way, you will be carrying on work that Laura was passionate about.

Thank you again for all of your assistance, whether large or small. It all means a great deal to us, Laura’s family.

The Vogels

Fundraising and Media Updates

There will be a brief mention of Laura's disappearance on America's Most Wanted this Saturday, 3/27/10 at 9 PM EST on FOX. Also, look out for stories about Laura to be published this week in the Honolulu Advertiser and the Maui Weekly.

Interest in Laura's case continues to spread. The number of visitors to this blog has passed 6500, and the number of fans of the Find Laura Vogel Facebook Page has grown above 4000. Many of the people involved in the search for Laura have never met her, but are inspired by the multitude of stories about Laura's abundant care for people, animals, and the planet we share.

To raise funds for the search for Laura, there is a racquetball shootout today (Friday, 3/26/10) at Riverpoint Sports and Wellness in Albuquerque, NM starting at 5 PM. Entrance fees are $40 per team, with all proceeds going to help find Laura. Tournament organizer Alicia Blaakman invites anyone interested to contact her at rballgirly@gmail.com. She has people looking for partners and equipment to share. She will also be selling window decals for a $5 minimum donation. There will be a similar event in Las Cruces in April. Stay tuned for more details.

Police continue to investigate Laura's case. They are very interested in speaking with those who were with her the night she disappeared or anyone else who may have information about what happened to her. Updates will be posted as soon as they are available.

The family is still offering a $10,000 reward for information leading them to find Laura Vogel. If you have any knowledge of where she might be, please e-mail findlauravogel@gmail.com or call any of these numbers:

• Maui Police at 808-244-6400 (Case #10-14126),
• Maui Crime Stoppers at 808-242-6966,
  
• Find Laura Vogel Private Tip Line at 1-888-524-0218.

Donations to the Find Laura Vogel Fund continue to to help the Vogel family finance efforts to find her. To contribute, please click the yellow Donate button in the right hand sidebar.

Mahalo!

Great Show of Aloha

Although Sunday's massive search did not result in finding Laura, it elicited a cascade of aloha on her behalf. Gene Robinson and Texas Equusearch provided valuable specialized search technology and expertise. Dedicated supporters worked tirelessly making calls, sending e-mails, and distributing flyers to spread the word about the search. A wide array of community volunteers turned out for searches at 9 AM and 1:30 PM. They spent hours in the hot sun bushwhacking through harsh terrain in the hope of finding some sign of Laura. Off-duty firefighters and military personnel kindly lent their skills to the search. Local businesses generously donated food and supplies, including the Pukalani Starbucks, Flat Bread Pizza, and Home Depot. In the face of enormous challenges, the show of community spirit in honor of Laura has been heartening and inspiring. Mahalo nui loa to all who participated.

Press coverage of the latest search efforts:
Search for Missing Maui Woman Intensifies (KITV)

Calling All Searchers!

Major search efforts are taking place this weekend on Maui. An aerial surveillance operation is in progress today (Saturday), and the search team is focused on organizing tomorrow's comprehensive search effort. If you are on Maui, your help is very much needed! If you can volunteer 2-3 hours of your time to search for Laura on Sunday, please e-mail findlauravogel@gmail.com with contact information and your preferred search time. Search parties are meeting at the Ha'iku Community Center on Hana Highway 9 AM and 1:30 PM.

Searchers are advised to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and closed-toe shoes. They should bring sunscreen, a cell phone, a day pack, and a long stick, walking stick, or pole, if available. Water and snacks are being donated by Costco, coffee is being donated by Starbucks, and lunch is being donated by Flat Bread Pizza. Mahalo to these local businesses for their generous support, and to all those who have already volunteered for this important event.

More people are needed! If you can gather some friends, colleagues, church group members, or any other people you know to join tomorrow's efforts, you will be making an important contribution to this critical search. You can also post and/or distribute this "Volunteers Needed" flyer in public places. Laura's family greatly appreciates the widespread aloha spirit being extended toward them during this challenging time.

Recent media updates of Laura's disappearance cover the Maui Police Dept.'s questioning of the man who owns the phone last called from Laura's cell phone:

'Person of Interest' Questioned in Missing Woman Case (KITV)

Authorities Bring in Person of Interest for Questioning in Laura Vogel Case (ABCNews.com)

Sunday's Search

A major coordinated search for Laura will take place Sunday, March 21st, 2010 in the area where she disappeared in Maui. Professional search experts will be guiding these efforts. Search parties will meet at the Ha'iku Community Center on Hana Highway at 9:00 AM and 1:3o PM. Searchers are advised to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and closed-toe shoes. They should bring water, snacks, a cell phone, a day pack, and a long stick, walking stick, or pole, if available. Please e-mail findlauravogel@gmail.com if you can help with either of these searches. Mahalo!

Many Helping Hands

Laura's family has reached out to a number of professional organizations who have come together to help with the search (Trinity Search & Recovery, Texas Equusearch, and 3 View Search Services). Texas Equusearch will be flying a professional to Maui from Texas this Friday, March 19, 2010. He will be bringing specialized surveillance technology to aid in the search. Family and friends are also organizing a large ground search of the area for Sunday to follow up on information gathered. There will be two shifts (morning and afternoon) and volunteers are needed to help with the search. Details will be posted on this blog as soon as available. Please email your contact info to findlauravogel@gmail.com if you can participate.

The family continues to plead with the public for any information regarding Laura's whereabouts or her activities on the night she disappeared. They are offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to finding Laura.

Anyone with information that might lead to finding Laura is urged to pass it along through any of these channels:

• Maui Police: 808-244-6400 (Case #10-14126)
• Anonymous tip lines:
  • Maui Crime Stoppers 808-242-6966
  • Private Tip Line 888-524-0218
  Private e-mail: findlauravogel@gmail.com

New Mexico friends are invited to join a Racquetball Shootout Fundraiser at Riverpoint Sports & Wellness (Albuquerque) on Friday, March 26th from 4:00-8:30 pm. Advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels are welcome. If interested, please contact Alicia Blaakman (rballgirly@gmail.com) and let her know your earliest starting time and your doubles partner. Please sign up by Wednesday March 24th, 8 pm. Participants are asked for a $40 donation per team. All proceeds go to Laura's search.

Mahalo once again to all those who have so generously offered your support and assistance!

Update from the Maui Police Department

Yesterday the Maui Police released some information regarding the investigation through Laura's brother: "The police have located the owner of the cell phone that was the last number dialed from Laura's phone the night of her disappearance, and this individual has been brought in for questioning. The investigation continues in search of definitive forensic evidence. In addition, the FBI has been and continues to be involved and is providing assistance to the Maui Police department as required."

The Vogel family continues to work around the clock toward finding Laura. Visibility on the case is increasing on Maui due to the distribution of flyers by many helpful individuals. Visitors to this blog have topped 5000, hailing from over 50 countries. Hawaii's Senator Inouye and the Governor of Hawaii's Maui Liaison, George Kaya, are aware of the police department's efforts regarding the search. The family is working with professional search groups, arranging for detailed aerial photography of the search area, and scheduling dog teams to return. The media are being kept informed of any and all developments through regular press releases. Also, members of the immediate family have remained on Maui since Laura's disappearance to work in conjunction with police.

Search teams are still very much needed daily. Even if an area has already been searched, that does not mean that forensic evidence leading to Laura is not there. Organizational help in search efforts is increasingly important, and if anyone in Maui is available to help coordinate, please send an email to findlauravogel@gmail.com with your contact information. Mahalo!

Latest press coverage from CBS News/48Hours/CRIMESIDER:
Laura Vogel Missing: Cops Call Off Search While Family Fears "Foul Play"

No Sign from Dive

Expert divers searched the water near the Pauwela Lighthouse for hours on Friday but found no clues to Laura's disappearance. Though the weather was perfect, the ocean was still a bit rough at this beautiful spot near where Laura was last known to be.

Thanks to the kind efforts of many, many people, awareness of Laura's disappearance continues to grow. Laura's family is committed to finding out what happened to her, and the more people who know that, the more likely it is that someone with information will come forward. The Vogels are grateful to each and every person who has passed on the word that Laura is missing. It's important that we all continue the endeavor until she is found.

Hot Off the Presses

Laura's story has made the home page of ABCNews.com:
Family Keeping Search Alive for Missing Camper Laura Vogel

There's also an update in the Maui News:
Family offers reward for info that leads to finding woman

And at KITV.com:
Family Offers Reward for Missing Woman on Maui

Full Steam Ahead

The investigation into Laura's disappearance is still in full gear. Since Laura was with people the night she disappeared, the focus is on identifying and speaking with those people who may have information about her whereabouts. Police are pursuing leads, questioning people, and working with the Vogel family to solve the mystery of what happened to Laura.

A team of highly skilled divers is launching an ocean search at 7 AM this morning (Friday) near where Laura was last known to be. Ground searches and clean-up efforts in the area also continue. Tracking dogs are being enlisted to return and search areas not yet covered.

Anyone on Maui who would like to help can print and circulate this Laura Vogel Missing flyer anywhere on the island. For example, it's helpful to have people distributing flyers at festivals, community gatherings, and other public events or posting the flyer in stores, gas stations, or other public places.

A grassroots network of people interested in finding Laura has been growing, and many people who have not met Laura have joined the campaign to find her. Fans of the Find Laura Vogel Facebook Page continue to build community around Laura, even in her absence:

• "What really has made Laura so real and alive and compelling to me is this [FB] page. It is all of you who have posted your anecdotes and favorite Laura pictures, and have shared your hearts with those of us who have not had the privilege of knowing her first-hand. That is why I joined the search party the other day: I feel her in all of you, and that has made her so real to me."

• "I, too, wish I had the privilege of knowing Laura before all of this happened. All of the stories and love that is being shown for her proves what an absolutely wonderful person she must be and how blessed are the ones who call her a friend. It's hard to not be moved by all of the love and want to do anything in your power to help bring her back."

The family is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading them to find Laura Vogel. If you have any knowledge of where she might be, please e-mail findlauravogel@gmail.com or call any of these numbers:

• Maui Police at 808-244-6400 (Case #10-14126),
• Maui Crime Stoppers at 808-242-6966,
  
• Find Laura Vogel Private Tip Line at 1-888-524-0218.

Donations to the Find Laura Vogel Fund continue to to help the Vogel family finance efforts to find her. To contribute, please click the yellow Donate button in the right hand sidebar.

Mahalo nui loa, everyone!

Recruiting Searchers

Leads continue to come in, and volunteers continue to search for Laura.

Searchers are needed today (Thursday). Please meet Nicole Sanchez at the Haiku Community Center parking lot at 1:45 pm. Wear long jeans and gloves and bring a long stick and a machete or axe. More people are needed, so if you can help, even if only for a hour or so, please call Nicole at 808-205-2366. Areas previously searched by fire and rescue crews and tracking dogs are indicated on the maps above.

A dive search will take place Friday morning. People are needed to help spot divers on land.

Maui residents are encouraged to download, print, and circulate this Laura Vogel MISSING poster/flyer as widely as possible.

Working Together to Find Laura

The love and support for Laura pouring in from friends and strangers alike continues to give the family strength as they press forward with the search.

Search efforts continue by land and sea. Six to eight highly qualified divers and a boat are ready to go out on Friday, weather permitting. Rotating land search crews are still combing the area where Laura disappeared. Other plans include bringing search dogs back to cover additional territory.

Word is spreading far and wide about Laura's case. This blog has been read by over 4000 people around the world, and fans of the Find Laura Vogel Facebook Page number over 3500. Testimonials about Laura's gifts as a science teacher, environmentalist, athlete, and beloved friend cover the virtual wall. New Mexican residents have been contacting Governor Richardson's office to raise awareness of Laura's disappearance and enlist help from the governor's office in finding her. A variety of organizations have become engaged in helping with the search.

The family is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading them to find Laura Vogel. If you have any knowledge of where she might be, please call the Maui Police at 808-244-6400 (Case #10-14126) or the private tip line at 1-888-524-0218 or e-mail findlauravogel@gmail.com.

Donations to the Find Laura Vogel Fund continue to to help the Vogel family finance efforts to find her. To contribute, please click the yellow Donate button in the right hand sidebar.

Enormous thanks to everyone who has played a part in helping to find Laura!

Search Continues

The search for Laura continues. Maui searchers are invited to meet at 9 AM today (Monday) at the Haiku Community Center. They should wear clothing to protect them from the switch grass (e.g., long-sleeved shirt, long pants, sturdy shoes, gardening or work gloves) and bring a machete and a megaphone, if available. Those who cannot search today are encouraged to spread the word about Laura any way they can.

Investigators are pursuing a number of leads, and the campaign to increase awareness of Laura's disappearance across the island and beyond is ongoing. Anyone on Maui reading this is encouraged to print, post and/or distribute this Laura Vogel MISSING poster/flyer as widely as possible. The more people who know Laura is missing, the better. Please consider posting the flyer at stores, gas stations, libraries, and other community gathering spots and distributing it at public events. It is our aim that every citizen of Maui is aware of Laura's disappearance in the hope that someone will come forward with information that leads to finding out what happened to her. If you know anything that might shed light on the mystery of her disappearance, please e-mail findlauravogel@gmail.com or call the Maui Police at 808-244-6400 (Case #10-14126) or the private tip line at 1-888-524-0218.

Sharing this blog via e-mail, Facebook, or other web sites helps to build awareness of the campaign to locate Laura. If you wish to make a donation to the Find Laura Vogel Fund, to help the Vogel family defray costs of the search, please click the yellow Donate button in the right hand sidebar.

As always, Laura's family is eternally grateful to everyone who has supported efforts to find her.

Honoring Laura Through Action

People who have known and loved Laura have been honoring her through dedicated celebrations and positive action on behalf of the environment. Those whose lives have been positively affected by Laura are finding ways to "pay it forward," from planting seeds, flowers, and trees in Laura's name to dedicating hiking trails and musical performances to her. These are perfect ways to celebrate Laura's exuberance for the joys of living on planet earth.

An About Laura Vogel page on this blog includes basic facts about her disappearance and some suggestions for how people can support efforts to find out what happened to her. For those in Maui, there is a Laura Vogel MISSING poster/flyer that can be downloaded, printed, and circulated all over the island.

The search team in Maui has spent the last two days distributing flyers to get Laura's face in front of as many people as possible. They are working on getting dogs back to search areas that may not have been covered before and coordinating a big clean-up/search effort in the area where Laura went missing.

Laura's family greatly appreciates every contribution toward the search for Laura, no matter how great or small. There is power in numbers, and that power is fueling the quest for answers about what happened to Laura. Thanks to all who have participated!

Light in the Darkness

Another candlelight vigil was held for Laura in Las Cruces, NM Friday night. Coming together to share stories about Laura and build solidarity has brought solace to many who are troubled by her disappearance.

The investigation is pressing forward in Maui. Family and friends are still searching the location of Laura's disappearance for any sign of her, and new leads are being pursued every day. Word of Laura's disappearance continues to spread through press coverage as well as through social networking media. Thanks to everyone who has joined the growing community of people sharing their support for Laura and their interest in the ongoing investigation into her disappearance. Every single voice helps!

Rio Rancho Journal:
Woman Missing in Maui Was the 'Greatest Teacher'

Maui News:
Probe ongoing in case of missing woman, 43

Illumination

Friends and family whose lives have been brightened by Laura have been lighting candles in her honor at vigils both public and private.

A crowd of over 100 gathered Thursday night in Rio Rancho, NM for a candlelight vigil to shine more light on Laura and the importance of solving the mystery of her disappearance. On a beautiful New Mexico night, people came together to share stories about Laura, her zest for life, and the lives she has touched.

A candlelight vigil in Las Cruces, NM is scheduled for Friday 3/5 at 6:30 PM at the Soccer Complex by Mayfield High School.

KRQE's coverage of 3/4/10 vigil in Rio Rancho, NM:
Vigil held for missing woman from ABQ

KITV's coverage of 3/3/10 vigil in Maui:
Candlelight Vigil for Missing Maui Woman

Interest in Laura's case continues to grow, reaching around the world. To date, thousands of visitors to this blog include people from 38 countries. Find Laura Vogel Facebook page fans number over 3000. Awareness of Laura's disappearance is constantly increasing, which we hope will help shine more light on what has happened to her.

Laura's family continues to probe for results from the investigation into her mysterious disappearance and to raise money to fund these efforts. If you have any information that might help us figure out what has happened to Laura, please e-mail findlauravogel@gmail.com or call the private tip line at 1-888-524-0218. If you wish to make a donation to the Find Laura Vogel Fund, please click on the yellow Donate button in the sidebar on the right.

Thanks to everyone who has joined the crusade to FIND LAURA VOGEL! We are committed to solving this mystery, and together, we will.

Tributes to Laura

Last night, Laura's friends and family in Maui and around the world lit candles in Laura's honor. A candlelight vigil was held at dusk at the site where Laura disappeared near the Pauwela lighthouse in Maui.

Another candlelight vigil in support of the ongoing search for Laura will be held today (Thursday) at 6:30 PM in Rio Rancho, New Mexico at the Rio Vista Park (1620 Riverside Drive, NE, off of 528 in Rivers Edge 2). Participants are encouraged to bring candles, luminaria, and/or flashlights to show their love and support for Laura.

Today's Las Cruces Sun-News reports on Laura's disappearance:
Former Mayfield coach goes missing

Once again, if you have any information that might help us find Laura, please e-mail findlauravogel@gmail.com or call the private tip line at 1-888-524-0218. If you wish to make a donation to the Find Laura Vogel Fund, click on the yellow Donate button in the sidebar on the right. Thanks to all those participating in the ever-growing network of Laura Vogel supporters!

Candlelight Vigil in Maui Tonight

Friends and family are having a candlelight vigil in Maui down at Pauwela lighthouse tonight at 6:30 PM (HST) to celebrate Laura Vogel. Maui residents, please come out to show your support.

Participants should gather at the Haiku Community Center between 6:00 and 6:15 PM. The community center is located at the corner of Pauwela & Hana Hwy. A crowd of 200-300 is hoped for, so PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD on Maui.

Please bring a candle, but if you do not have one COME ANYWAY; one will be provided to you. Numbers are important and your presence will be incredibly appreciated by the Vogel family.

For those who cannot be there in person, please light a candle for Laura at home during the time of the vigil. Those who are not in Hawaii may also want to light a candle for Laura at the same time (6:30 PM HST is 11:30 EST.)

A NEW PRIVATE TIP LINE has been established. The number is 1-888-524-0218

Also, the latest news article is on the front page of CNN.com:
Maui police: Hiker's disappearance 'suspicious'

Making Progress

Thanks to the generous support of many good citizens in Maui and around the country, the investigation into Laura's disappearance is making significant progress. Leads are coming in, being followed, and bringing investigators closer to solving the mystery of what happened to Laura.

If you have any information that might help us find Laura, please e-mail findlauravogel@gmail.com or call the Maui police at (808) 244-6400 or the private tip line at 1-888-524-0218. Thanks to those who have shared what they know already. Your efforts are making a real difference for Laura and thousands of people who care about her.

There have been thousands of visits to this blog, and the "Find Laura Vogel" Facebook page has thousands of fans. The more people who know about Laura's case, the more likely we are to find out what happened to her. Please help raise awareness of Laura's disappearance by sharing this blog and inviting people to become Facebook fans.

On the ground in the area where Laura was last known to be, friends and neighbors continue to search for any sign of Laura. Efforts to search nearby sea caves are also underway. Brave and dedicated searchers are leaving no stone unturned (or cliff unscaled) in their quest to find Laura.

Laura's story continues to be covered by local and national media, which is also very helpful in raising awareness of Laura's disappearance. For a list of stories with information about the search for Laura, see Media Coverage of Laura Vogel Case.

The Vogel family is extremely grateful to all those who have donated to the Find Laura Vogel Fund. Your contributions are critical to funding the ongoing search for Laura.

It's clear that widespread love for Laura is fueling the crusade to find her in many ways. Mahalo!!!

The Location of Laura's Disappearance

This is the area where Laura went missing:



View Larger Map

Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell - Headline News 7 pm

CNN Headline News' Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell will once again cover the story of Laura's disappearance at 7 pm tonight (EST) with new interviews and comments.

Here is the clip of the update on Laura's story:
War on Women: Mystery in Paradise (update)

Fox Coverage and Request for Fishermen

Recent coverage of the investigation into Laura's mysterious disappearance includes today's Fox News story:

Police Suspend Search for Hiker in Hawaii; Family Suspects 'Foul Play'

If anyone knows any Maui, fishermen please send an e-mail to findlauravogel@gmail.com.

To join an online community of who care about Laura, become a fan of the "Find Laura Vogel" Facebook page.

Case Listed at America's Most Wanted

Laura has been listed as a Missing Person with America's Most Wanted:
Missing: Avid Camper Disappears Off Maui Shore

AMW says, "If you have any information on the disappearance of Laura Vogel, call our Hotline at 1-800-CRIME-TV."

Search Updates

Many, many thanks to all those who have generously donated to the Find Laura Vogel Fund. Your contributions are vital to solving the mystery of what happened to Laura.

Despite a dedicated "human net" of searchers fanning out across the area where Laura disappeared Sunday by air, land, and sea, nothing more was found. Police are following every lead to try to find out who was with Laura the night she disappeared. If you have any information at all that might lead to a discovery about Laura's whereabouts, please call Detective Callinan or Lt. Jakubczak at the Maui Police Department at (808) 244-6400 and refer to case number 10-14126 or send an e-mail to findlauravogel@gmail.com.

Today's search starts at 8 AM, and searchers are looking for fishermen and trackers from the area. If you know any, please call (808) 572-0970.

Here is KITV's last story on the search for Laura:
Maui Police Continue Missing Woman Investigation

And here is the story of Laura's disappearance on CNN Headline News Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell: Mystery in Paradise.

Mahalo to all who are contributing to efforts to find Laura!

Updates on the Investigation

Sunday's search efforts include helicopter, jetskis, and divers combing the area where Laura disappeared. Alex Air has generously sponsored a helicopter to search the coastline by air, and a dedicated contingent of Laura's friends and Maui neighbors continue to scour the ground and the water for any sign of Laura.

The latest press includes an Albuquerque Journal story of Laura's disappearance in Sunday's paper: Mystery in Maui.

The Vogel family is extremely grateful for the efforts of everyone who has spread the word about Laura's disappearance, offered media contacts, shared tips about the circumstances surrounding the case, donated funds to support the ongoing search, and otherwise offered their help in finding Laura. Although her last communication indicated that she was meeting people near her campsite, no one who was with her that night has been identified yet.

We appreciate any consideration of How You Can Help.

Tsunami Threat Has Passed, Investigation Continues

Fortunately, the tsunami threat that diverted attention today from the investigation into Laura's disappearance has passed without significant incident. Hopefully, the investigation can continue with the momentum that was building before the tsunami diversion.

This ABC/WPBF story has more on-the-ground news from Laura's brother Tim:
Family Still Searching for Missing Woman in Hawaii

News Updates

As you may have heard, a tsunami is expected to hit Hawaii today around 11 AM (4 PM EST). This will undoubtedly affect search efforts.

More information can be found here:
Tsunami warning in effect for Hawaii
Hawaii Evacuations Begin for Tsunami Warning

In the meantime, here's another article about the search for Laura from Hawaii News Now (KGMB/KHNL):
Family steps up search for missing Maui camper

Also, if you would like to Donate to the Find Laura Vogel Fund, please follow the directions in that post. Many thanks!

Laura's Case No. with Maui Police

Here is more specific information about who in the Criminal Investigations Division is working on Laura's case. If you have any information at all, please call Detective Callinan or Lt. Jakubczak at the Maui Police Department at (808) 244-6400 and refer to case number 10-14126.

Also, the press coverage on CNN Headline News last night includes an interview with Laura's brother Tim Vogel: Mystery in Paradise.

In addition, the latest Vogel family interview can be found on KITV:
Search for Missing Woman on Maui Suspended, Laura Vogel's Family Says They Continue to Search

As any of Laura's friends and relatives would contend, the search is far from over.

Donate to the Find Laura Vogel Fund

We are collecting donations to help with the search for Laura.

If you would like to make a secure contribution, you can do so through PayPal in two ways:

1) Preferred Method - If you have a PayPal account, follow these instructions:

• Log into your PayPal account.
  
• Click on the Send Money tab.
  
• Enter this e-mail address: findlauravogel@gmail.com
• Enter the amount you would like to donate.
  
• Click on the Personal tab and check Other.
• Click Continue.
  

PayPal charges a 3% commission if your account is associated with a credit card, but if it's directly associated with your bank account, there is no fee.

2) Alternative Method - If you do not have a PayPal account, you can click the button below to use your credit card directly (a fee will be charged). Follow these instructions:

• Enter the amount you would like to donate.
• Click Update Total.
  
• Where it says, "Don't Have a Paypal Account?," click Continue.
• Fill in your credit card information and click Review Donation and Continue.
  

Even the smallest donations are appreciated. We are so grateful for everyone's support!

Many thanks!

Coverage on CNN Headline News

Laura's brother Tim Vogel did a great job representing efforts to find Laura in an interview today on CNN's Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell. The transcript of the entire program is here. The Laura Vogel story begins with "Up next, missing in paradise..." The video is available here.

How You Can Help

There are several key ways people can be helpful to this investigation:

1) If you have any information that might contribute to efforts to find Laura, please send it to findlauravogel@gmail.com or call the private tip line at 1-888-524-0218.

2) If you have any access to media contacts who might help increase visibility for this case, please share that information as well.

3) Sharing this blog with as many people as possible can help to spread the word about the investigation and increase its visibility.

4) Becoming a fan of the "Find Laura Vogel" Facebook page also helps to communicate how many people are interested in finding Laura.

5) Please Donate to the Find Laura Vogel Fund, which helps the Vogel family defray mounting expenses for this ongoing investigation.

First National Coverage of Laura's Disappearance Tonight on CNN

The first national coverage concerning Laura's disappearance airs tonight on CNN Headline News at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell will speak to Tim Vogel, younger brother of Laura Vogel, by phone from Maui. Please spread the word!

Today is the Vogel family's first full day on the island and they are conducting their own ground search for Laura. Police are searching with the tracking dogs.

Search and Rescue Dogs Due Out This Morning

The search and rescue dogs obtained by the Vogel family arrived yesterday and are due to be put to work today in the search for Laura.

In addition, an article about Laura's disappearance has been published today in the Honolulu Advertiser: Foul play feared in woman's disappearance.

Updates

Tracking dogs arrived in Maui this afternoon, and we are hoping that they will help to turn up something. Laura's family has arrived in Maui to help with the search and get some answers.

Here is some additional news coverage:
CBS CRIMESIDER: Laura Vogel, Missing in Maui: Avid Surfer, Camper, Disappears on Solo Camping Trip

Laura's Family en Route to Hawaii

Here is some recent news coverage of Laura's family in pursuit of information about her disappearance:

Jupiter Man Travels to Hawaii in Search of Missing Sister

New Mexico Woman Missing in Hawaii

Investigating Phone Records

The latest information we have is from Laura's cell phone records. They revealed that two calls to a specific number were made after her disappearance. This was not a number in Laura's phone and the voice on the VM greeting was a tough sounding male unlike any of Laura's friends.

Help Us Find Laura Vogel

Laura Vogel is a beautiful, vibrant 43 year old woman who has been missing since Sunday night, February 21, 2010 from the Pauwela Lighthouse area near Ha'iku in Maui, Hawaii. She left a friend's house at 5:30 pm that evening to go camping, and her last known communication was at approximately 8 pm that evening when she texted a friend, saying, "I'm camped down the way from the birthing pools and meeting all the locals." She did not return texts after that time. On Monday morning when she did not show up for her job at 9 AM friends began to worry. At noon the friends hiked down to find her van at the birthing pools. The driver's side door was open, the key was in the ignition, and the van started up. Contents of the van appeared intact but Laura was nowhere to be found, and her wallet and cell phone were gone as well.

There has been a massive hunt for Laura around the cliffs and woods for days. Yesterday the back half of what is believed to be her cell phone was found near a homeless camp close to where her van was found.

The following news story presented last night on ABC News can be seen online at kitv.com:

Family Seeks Help Finding Woman

The following article was published yesterday in the Maui News:

Woman disappears after leaving for camping trip

Stories persist that people have gone missing from this exact location for years.

Laura's family is currently trying to get Hawaii Canine Rescue to send a dog to Maui from Oahu to continue the search.

Any help or information you can provide is vital. If you have information about Laura's whereabouts please call the Criminal Investigation Division at 808-244-6425 during regular business hours or 808-244-6500 after hours.