On campus search for Garza '11 resumes

Author: Anthony Adragna

FEB. 17 - Search and rescue workers turned their attention to the vast Ridgeline area of campus Feb. 16 in the continuing search for Nicholas Garza '11, who vanished late Feb. 5.

The Middlebury Police Department [MPD] suspended the search portion of their investigation on Feb. 12 due to poor weather conditions expected in the following days. Their efforts resumed amid the challenges of the varying Ridgeline terrain.

Dean of the College Tim Spears suggested the search occurring at Ridgeline would conclude search efforts on campus, though the College has announced that it will continue to work with the MPD to check snow banks along roadways, sidewalks and parking lots. The MPD may then request additional help from the Vermont State Police to search further when the snow pack melts.

"My understanding is the search being done on the Ridgeline is the last phase of the search on campus," Spears said. "The area is pretty extensive and the terrain is varied."

Nick's mother, Natalie Garza said she did not think her son ventured off campus that night.

"He was around this campus," she said. "I don't think he wandered off. It's pretty open between the two dorms."

Achieving some sort of resolution to the disappearance is, at this time, Natalie Garza's top priority.

"Right now, nothing adds up," she said. "Nothing makes sense. I need answers. That is the most important thing."

Spears agreed with her but stressed the importance of remaining patient during the search effort.

"It's terribly important to get an answer to the situation," he said. "We have to try and be patient. You deal with a search like this one day at a time."

During the time that the search was postponed, investigators focused their attention on understanding Nick's movement on the evening of his disappearance, according to Natalie Garza.

"I've been focused on getting an accurate timeline that evening," she said. "They [the MPD] have looked to see what kids accessed buildings around 11 p.m. that night. Everyone is trying to address everything that comes in. People are concerned. That makes me feel good."

Spears urged members of the College community to avoid spreading rumors about the search.

"It's very difficult to quell them," he said. "That's why it's very important to offer regular updates. Students often find the official updates reassuring."

Police continue to consider the possibility of an accident, but will also consider the possibility of abduction.

"I think there very well could have been a crime," Natalie Garza said. "I think it's very unlikely. Anything is possible though."

Natalie Garza said she would go to Allen Hall this weekend, where Nick lived, and box up some of his things, in an attempt to allow his roommate to focus on his studies.

While the effort has been difficult, Garza said she tries to take the search one day at a time.

"I'm just trying to stay in the moment and be as effective as I can with helping the police," she said.

A fund has been established to assist the Garza family with travel and other expenses during this difficult time. Those wishing to make a donation can write a check to the "Garza Family Fund" and send the donation to "Natalie Garza, c/o Margaret Falcone, 8444 Vista Verde, Albuquerque NM 87120."

Those with useful information about Garza or his whereabouts have been asked to contact the College's Department of Public Safety at 802-443-5911 or the Middlebury Police Department at 802-388-3191.