Metallica Still Has Hope for Missing Fan

By Paul Chi

Saturday October 31, 2009 01:50 PM EDT

Morgan Harrington

FindMorgan.com

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Two weeks after the mysterious disappearance of Virginia Tech University student Morgan Harrington, no clues or leads as to her whereabouts are known to exist – but members of Metallica remain optimistic about the safe return of the young woman last seen at the band's Oct. 17 concert.

"We are staying positive that she will be found soon," Metallica lead guitarist Kirk Hammett told PEOPLE at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert in New York City Friday. "We are all hoping for the best and praying for her and her family."

Hammett and his heavy metal bandmates have been in contact with Harrington's family, whom the musician described as "holding up as well as they possible can."

To help speed the search for the 5'6", 120-lb., blue-eyed, blonde 20-year-old, the rockers have contributed $50,000 toward a $100,000 reward. "It's the least we can do. We want to help as much as we can to bring her back home."

Morgan Harrington was last seen outside the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Va., on Oct 17. There is a Help Find Morgan Web Site, as well as a telephone tip line, [phone]. In addition, Virginia State Police e-mail is [e-mail] – while other tips may be sent to: [e-mail]

"We all have children and as parents ourselves, it's our worst nightmare for a child to go out and not come back home," said Hammett, 46. "We empathize with that greatly, so we are doing what we can to help find her. We are staying positive."