Body Of Missing Wisconsin College Student Found In Mississippi River Near MN Border

LA CROSSE, WI — A tragic ending has come to the search for Eliotte Heinz, the 22-year-old Viterbo University student who was reported missing over the weekend in La Crosse.

Around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, the La Crosse Police Department was notified by the Houston County, Minnesota Sheriff’s Department that a body had been located in the Mississippi River near Brownsville, Minnesota.

"This was not the outcome we had hoped for throughout this search," said La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron.

"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 was last seen around 3:20 a.m. on July 20 walking alone in the 500 block of Front Street South.

Following her disappearance, La Crosse police issued a call for public assistance, while hundreds of volunteers helped search.

Viterbo University, where Heinz was a student, issued a statement Wednesday expressing heartbreak and solidarity with her family.

"We are heartbroken by this loss and extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends," said Viterbo President Dr. Rick Trietley.

"There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so young, with so much life ahead of her. Our hearts go out to Eliotte’s family. We hold them in our prayers and stand with them in their grief."

The university also thanked the La Crosse Police Department for its efforts and commended the community for the compassion shown during the search.

Viterbo plans to hold a memorial service for Heinz this fall after students return to campus.

The department is continuing its investigation and is awaiting autopsy results to determine the official cause of death.