Authorities in Wisconsin have released new details following the tragic discovery of 22-year-old graduate student Eliotte Heinz, whose body was recovered from the Mississippi River three days after she went missing.
In a statement on Friday, July 25, the La Crosse Police Department said that preliminary autopsy findings show no signs of criminal activity in Heinz’s death. However, officials noted the final autopsy report may take several months to complete as the investigation continues.
Heinz was last seen around 3:22 a.m. on Sunday, July 20, walking southbound along the 500 block of Front Street South — a short distance from the riverbank. Earlier that night, she had been at Bronco’s Bar, according to Viterbo University, where she was pursuing graduate studies.
Family members reported her missing when she failed to return home. Her body was discovered on Wednesday, July 23, in the river near Brownsville, Minnesota, just downstream from La Crosse.
“This was not the outcome we had hoped for throughout this search,” La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Eliotte’s family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched.”
In the wake of their devastating loss, Eliotte’s family expressed deep gratitude to the La Crosse community, Viterbo University, and local law enforcement for their support.
“You have all been an amazing light in an incredibly dark space,” the family said, according to ABC affiliate WISN. “We don’t know why we were so blessed to have her as a daughter or why we are unable to keep her. She is amazing and would have continued to amaze us. We are devastated that she is no longer with us. Our family will forever have a missing piece.”
Though police currently believe there was no foul play involved, they are urging the public to await the full results of the ongoing investigation and final autopsy.
