The body of missing Wisconsin grad student Eliotte Heinz was found in the Mississippi River on Wednesday, several days after she disappeared.
Heinz, a 22-year-old student at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisc., was last seen walking alone about one block from the river around 3:22 a.m. Sunday shortly after leaving Bronco’s Bar in the city’s downtown area.
Her family believes that she was headed toward her apartment on Eighth and Tyler streets when she vanished, The Chippewa Herald reported.
Her body was found around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the water near Brownsville, Minn. — about 15 miles down the river from La Crosse. Police said an autopsy will determine her cause of death.
“This was not the outcome we had hoped for throughout this search,” La Crosse Police Department Chief Shawn Kudron said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Eliotte’s family, friends and all those who knew Eliotte. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from so many within the La Crosse community, the State of Wisconsin and nationally to locate Eliotte.”
Heinz’s mother had previously called on the community to review home security camera footage for any signs of her daughter since “even the smallest detail could make a difference” in finding her.
Volunteers coordinated a foot search from Viterbo University.
“There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so young, with so much life ahead of her,” Viterbo University President Rick Trietley said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to to Eliotte’s family. We hold them in our prayers and stand with them in their grief.”
The school said a memorial service would be held in the fall when students return to campus.
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