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NORTH OGDEN -- The family and friends of 16-year-old Alexis Rasmussen are holding out hope that the body found early Wednesday was not that of the Weber High School student who has been missing for over a month now.
It's really a waiting game for them right now. And quite frankly, they say it's been extremely difficult not knowing but they are in no way giving up
Tuesday night, about 120 people gathered for a candlelight vigil in order to raise awareness of the case and help bring Alexis home.
It feels like you're going at a slow pace and everything is going so fast. It's like the world stopped without Lexi.
–Tammy Reed, Alexis' aunt
"She's out there, and she needs our help, and this is a way to pool everyone together and make sure that everyone understands that this if for Lexi, and we're shining a light to help her find a way home," said Wayne Reed, Alexis' uncle.
Rasmussen's aunt and uncle say they can't eat and can't sleep as a result of the news that North Ogden police had found a body that they said was connected to the missing teenager's case. They are reeling in near disbelief.
"It's really hard to explain. It feels like you're going at a slow pace and everything is going so fast. It's like the world stopped without Lexi," said Tammy Reed, Alexis' aunt.
At Weber High school Wednesday, other classmates were also holding onto hope their Alexis is still alive.
Related:
Body found in investigation of missing N. Ogden teen
Police and prosecutors announced Wednesday that a tip from a confidential informant in the investigation of a missing teen has led them to human remains in rural Morgan County."I'm so hoping. There's always that hope that they will find her. Just find her. I miss her smile, and I know everyone does," said Kindel Pophan.
Pophan has known Alexis since junior high. The 16-year-old broke down in tears when she heard today's news that a body had been found.
Weber High's principal got word earlier in the day there would be a press conference. Not knowing what would be announced, he prepared grief counselors. But with no official word on the identification of the body found, there was not much that could be done.
Marissa Buhler shared a painting class with Alexis this year. "Everyone kind of leans on each other for support right now," she said.
One of Alexis' teachers said that she absolutely loved that girl. She said she was a good student, she worked hard, but most of all, she was easy to like. Everyone seems to share that sentiment.
Nevertheless, there are more questions than answers at this point. "We do need something. I don't know. It's going to be hard either way," Tammy Reed said.
"During this time of waiting, you still have to have hope. Hope is one of the greatest things there is," Wayne Reed said.
