Updated: August 13, 2026
Annie Schmidt, beloved daughter, sister, friend, and musician, passed away on October 16, 2016, at the age of 21 from injuries sustained in an accidental fall while hiking near Munra Point in the Columbia River Gorge region of Oregon.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Jon Schmidt and Michelle Anderegg Schmidt, Annie grew up immersed in music, faith, and a deep love for people. At just six years old, she made her first public performance as a guest vocalist before an audience of 2,000 at one of her father’s concerts. Any nervousness she felt quickly gave way to the joy and power of music—a pattern that defined her life. She consistently chose joy over fear and approached every moment with authenticity and light.
Annie dreamed of writing, producing, and performing music. By age 21 she had already co-written, co-produced, and recorded several songs with her brother and closest collaborator, Spencer. She was studying music production and technology and once told her roommate, “I can’t wait for the day when I can share my music with thousands of people.” Shortly before her passing, she recorded final vocal tracks on a meaningful song she and Spencer had been completing—a piece that continues to touch listeners.
A young woman of strong faith, Annie served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Macon, Georgia. There she formed lasting friendships and lived out her desire to draw closer to God while helping others recognize their own worth. She also participated in a high school humanitarian trip to Peru, where she developed a lasting love for the people and culture. Friends remember her remarkable ability to notice and lift those who felt overlooked, including reaching out to individuals with special needs and ensuring they felt valued and included.
Annie was described by those who knew her best as 100 percent authentic and real. She had a passion for people, self-discovery, learning, nature, surfing, longboarding, discovering great music, unique foods, and dancing—often breaking into spontaneous hip-hop moves. Her personal motto and final message to the world was simple yet powerful: “Fill your life with good vibes.”
She is survived by her parents, Jon and Michelle Schmidt; her brothers Spencer, Jonny, and Chris; her sister Sarah; and her grandparents Werner and Lieselotte Schmidt and Jerry and Cathy Anderegg.
Funeral services were held on Monday, November 21, 2016, at the Bountiful Utah Heights Stake Chapel in Bountiful, Utah, with public receptions the evening before and the morning of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family invited contributions toward search-related costs.
Annie’s life continues to inspire through her music, her example of genuine kindness, and the many lives she touched during her short time on earth. She will be remembered as an absolutely fabulous, wonderful, incredible, and amazing young woman whose light and love radiated outward.
“Fill your life with good vibes.” — Annie Schmidt