The body of 22-year-old Wisconsin graduate student Eliotte Heinz has been found in the Mississippi River, four days after she vanished following a night out with friends. Heinz, who studied at Viterbo University, was last seen in the early hours of Sunday after leaving the Bronco Bar in La Crosse. Her body was discovered just before 10:30 am. on Wednesday near Brownsville, Minnesota, more than 10 miles from where she was last spotted on security footage walking along the riverfront. “This was not the outcome we had hoped for,” La Crosse police chief Shawn Kudron said. “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 Elliotte,” New York Post cited the officer. Heinz was reported missing by her loved ones on Sunday morning after repeated attempts to reach her failed. Security footage captured her walking alone near the Mississippi River about an hour after leaving the bar. Her phone was later found by friends near the riverbank. The disappearance sparked a large-scale search involving police and volunteers combing the waterfront and surrounding areas. Residents were urged to check home security footage for any possible sightings. Viterbo University plans to hold a memorial service in her honour later this year, once students are back on campus. “There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so young,” said university president Dr Rick Trietley. “Our hearts go out to Eliotte’s family. We hold them in our prayers and stand with them in their grief.” Heinz’s mother, Amber, described her daughter as “beautiful inside and out,” with “the biggest heart and unending kindness for everyone.” Police say the investigation remains active as they await autopsy results to determine the official cause of death.
