New Search Organized For Missing Metallica Fan Morgan Harrington

The parents of missing Metallica fan Morgan Harrington are once again organizing a volunteer, community search for the 20-year-old Virginia Tech student. She disappeared nearly three months ago after ending up outside the John Paul Jones Arena, where Metallica were headlining a gig. She was separated from her friends and was last seen getting into a car on a nearby bridge.

The search will take place this Saturday, with interested volunteers meeting outside the venue between 9 AM and 10:00 AM. The searches will continue through 3 PM and volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate. They are also encouraged to wear warm, comfortable clothing and orange or yellow reflective vests for safety. The focus of the search has not been revealed, but it is believed search teams will scour the area around the arena for two items they think might hold clues to what may have happened to Harrington: a digital camera and a Swarovski necklace.

In related news, Whiplash will take part in a benefit scheduled for Jan. 16 at the Hat Factory in Richmond, Va. Doors open at 8 PM, and the action on the stage will be preceded by a candlelight vigil. The bill also includes Dangerous New Machine, Fozzy, Memory Fade, Saint Diablo, At War and members of Stuck Mojo. Proceeds from the event will go to help fund the efforts of Find Morgan.

Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo said in a recent interview that he hopes Morgan is returned safely. "I was crushed," Trujillo said, about learning of Harrington's disappearance; he added that the case has been ever-present on the band members' minds. "Stuff like this just really, really bums me out, especially when you are a parent and you have children. I mean, it's the worst thing that you could ever imagine. And of course, you know, we're all hoping for the best and just praying that she's alive. It really hit a sour chord with us and bummed us out."