Schrup's vehicle was found abandon on Shrine Pass Rd. mm 3.5 in Eagle County, Colorado. It had been abandoned since at least July 22, 2009. Last time Sam was seen alive was July 11, 2009 by father in NM. There was a campsite set up in the area of the vehicle. The vehicle had dust and pine cone needles on it, so it had been there awhile. There was a hand written journal in the vehicle, the entry stated; "about to hike a hill. See you after ;)". A search of the area turned up nothing. Search and Rescue with a K-9 bloodhounds checked the area and found nothing either.

Initial search of the vehicle in 2009 did not recover or locate the handgun. A subsequent search of the vehicle in 2011 upon releasing the vehicle to next of kin, located concealed handgun inside vehicle. According to father, Sam always hiked with handgun for protection. (Information retrieved from NamUs.gov)