2 Chicago Men Among Those Missing In Florida Building Collapse

CHICAGO — Two men from Chicago universities are said to be among the 159 people still missing from the collapsed Champlain Towers in Surfside, Florida.

Officials said nearly 160 are still unaccounted for after the beachside condos were reduced to rubble Thursday, although the numbers of the missing continue to rise. Four people are reported dead from the incident so far.

Juan Mora, a 2011 alumnus of Loyola University Chicago, was reported missing by a Miami newspaper. A spokesperson for the university confirmed Mora graduated from the Quinlan School of Business with a minor in Asian studies.

According to the Miami Herald, Mora's parents are also missing. Their son was reportedly visiting them in Surfside.

The University of Chicago also confirmed a rising fourth-year student, Ilan Naibryf, was missing. Naibryf is studying physics and molecular engineering. A family member alerted people that he couldn't get in touch with him via social media post.

"Our heartfelt thoughts are with Ilan's family members, friends and the campus community during this anxious and difficult time," U. of C. dean of students Michele Rasmussen said in a statement.

Mora lived in Chicago after graduation and is currently a manager at Morton Salt, according to the company. Morton Salt announced they would make a $25,000 donation to a local agency to assist with finding those lost in the incident.

"The Morton Salt team remains hopeful for Juan, his family and the other victims of this tragedy and will keep them in our thoughts as rescue efforts continue," the company said in a statement.

The Miami newspaper said at least 27 people from Latin American countries were among those missing. Officials from Surfside said the search and rescue mission is ongoing as emergency personnel search local hospitals.