Austin, MN Tragedy: Body of Missing Woman Nyay Meh, 37, Found in Cedar River
AUSTIN, MN — The Mower County community is mourning the tragic death of Nyay Meh, a 37-year-old woman whose disappearance ended in heartbreak after her body was discovered in the Cedar River, nearly a week after she was reported missing.
Nyay Meh, a cherished member of the Austin community, was reported missing in mid-July 2025, prompting an intensive search effort by local authorities, volunteers, and community members. Hope remained strong among her loved ones and neighbors, who banded together in prayer and solidarity, clinging to the possibility of her safe return.
That hope was shattered when authorities confirmed that Nyay’s body had been located in the Cedar River on Monday morning, several miles from where she was last seen. The discovery brought an outpouring of grief across Austin, a city now reeling from the loss of a woman described as kind-hearted, resilient, and deeply committed to her family and friends.
The Mower County Sheriff’s Office, along with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and local search and rescue teams, conducted extensive efforts to locate Nyay. Details surrounding her disappearance remain under investigation, and authorities have not released information on whether foul play is suspected. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the official cause of death.
Friends and family remember Nyay as a gentle and generous spirit — a woman who carried strength in silence and always placed others before herself. Born in East Africa and later settling in Austin, she built a life centered around love, community, and perseverance. She worked tirelessly to support her loved ones and often extended a helping hand to those in need, embodying compassion in action.
“She was a light in so many lives,” said one close friend. “Nyay’s absence leaves a hole that cannot be filled, but her memory will always be with us — in her laughter, in her courage, and in the way she touched the lives of everyone she met.”
A candlelight vigil is being planned by the local community, where residents will gather to celebrate Nyay Meh’s life and support her grieving family during this devastating time.
The loss of Nyay Meh is not just a personal tragedy — it is a communal wound felt deeply by all who knew her. As Austin continues to process this heartbreaking loss, the community remains united in honoring her legacy and seeking answers.