The body of 20-year-old Houston college student Jade McKissic was found less than a week after she went missing.
Jade was discovered in Brays Bayou at 4998 Spur 5 on Monday, Sept. 15, a public information officer with the Houston Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE.
Her body was positively identified on Thursday, Sept. 18, by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, according to The Houston Chronicle.
The HPD said the cause of death is still under investigation.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences for comment.
When contacted, the University of Houston shared a letter sent to students by UH Vice President of Student Affairs Paul Kittle, confirming McKissic’s death.
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“It is with profound sadness that we share the recent passing of one of our students,” the statement began. “Jade ‘Sage’ McKissic was a campus resident and student employee, and a friend to many in our community.”
“At this time, we do not have details surrounding her death. We understand that it occurred off-campus and is currently under investigation by the Houston Police Department. We are awaiting further information,” the statement continued.
The university said it had “extended condolences and support to the family as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”
“In times of grief, leaning on one another can make a meaningful difference. Please take care of yourselves and each other — and reach out if you need support,” the statement concluded.
The Houston Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that McKissic was last seen leaving the 3700 block of Macgregor Way wearing a black tank top and black shorts on Thursday, Sept. 11.
The University of Houston student newspaper, the Daily Cougar, reported that McKissic was a Strategic Communications and Advertising junior, part of the 2025 UH Orientation team, and worked on campus as a front desk assistant.
A relative of McKissic told KHOU 11 that her death came as a “total shock.” They shared that McKissic had the nickname “Sage” and had “always been a great student who was involved in church and school groups.”
