A body found in the North Umpqua River Thursday afternoon could be that of a Medford college student whose Jeep plunged into the river in November, officials said.
Though authorities are awaiting to identify the body, it was found near the spot where 22-year-old Jeffrey Schmidt's SUV veered off Highway 138E and crashed down an embankment into the river.
On Nov. 19, Schmidt and his girlfriend, Quinn Do Truong, 20, both Oregon State University students, were returning to Corvallis from a fraternity and sorority event at Diamond Lake Lodge when the accident happened. Truong's body and the Jeep were found two days later.
Oregon State Police and Douglas County Sheriff's search and rescue crews recovered the body at around 1:15 p.m. Thursday about 1 1/2 miles downstream from the Dry Creek Store near milepost 47.
Schmidt's parents are hoping for the ordeal to end after enduring several months of waiting for final word of the son's fate.
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"We are hopeful that the Oregon State Police's dedication and hard work will give us closure," Priscilla Schmidt said.
The couple said they've had support from family and friends, as well as the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity chapter their son had joined.
"He was very happy (at OSU)," his father said.
The Schmidts said they've also had contact with the Truong family since the accident, but wish it were under different circumstances.
"There is an understanding of emotion there," Priscilla Schmidt said. "It's unfortunate that you have that in common with someone, but we do."
They wished to thank the rescue teams in Douglas and Jackson counties for their work. "We can't even express how grateful we are," Jonathan Schmidt added.
The couple said a confirmation could come within the next few days, but could stretch into next week.
Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 776-4471, or e-mail cconrad@mailtribune.com.
