Tragic Discovery: Body of Missing Student Eliotte Heinz, 22, Found in Mississippi River Near Brownsville
With heavy hearts, the La Crosse Police Department confirmed that the body of 22-year-old Eliotte Heinz, a graduate student attending Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin, was recovered from the Mississippi River near Brownsville, Minnesota, at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23
Her body was discovered over 10 miles downstream from the last place she was seen—the area around Bronco’s Bar in downtown La Crosse, where she was caught on surveillance footage at 3:22 a.m. Sunday, July 20 . After leaving the bar around 2:30 a.m., the footage captured a 50-minute gap before her final sighting near the river
🧭 Search Efforts & Investigation
A massive search effort began when Eliotte was reported missing on Sunday morning, led by the La Crosse Police Department and involving community volunteers, local authorities, and Viterbo University students .
Preliminary autopsy findings suggest no criminal activity or foul play, but official results and a conclusive cause of death are still pending and may take several months .
La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron offered condolences to the family and emphasized the department’s appreciation for the overwhelming outpouring of support .
🌟 Remembering Eliotte Heinz
Eliotte was pursuing graduate studies in mental health counseling at Viterbo University and was remembered by family and friends as intelligent, caring, and fiercely loved .
In a heartfelt family statement, they wrote:
“Eliotte’s walk home is finished. Unfortunately, our family’s walk down this new hard path is just beginning.”
“She was amazing and would have continued to amaze us. We are devastated she is no longer with us. Our family will forever have a missing piece.”
University President Rick Trietley shared:
“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.
🔔 Community Reflections & Safety Awareness
Neighbors in La Crosse described Eliotte as quietly friendly and polite, often greeting passersby with a smile—even in the early hours of the morning. Her unexpected disappearance has raised concerns about pedestrian safety along the waterfront at night.
Local residents and university staff reiterated the importance of staying together when walking late, using well-lit routes, and exercising caution near the river—especially during off-hours .
🕊️ A Memorial Ahead
Viterbo University has announced plans to hold a memorial service in the fall once students have returned to campus, in coordination with Eliotte’s family .
📰 Headline Suggestion:
22-Year-Old La Crosse Graduate Student Eliotte Heinz Found in Mississippi River Near Brownsville, MN; No Foul Play Suspected