A college student from Missouri who had been missing during an extended spring break trip was found dead on Saturday in Illinois, close to where her abandoned vehicle was located.
Melissa Olke, 21, was reported missing on Thursday after she left her home in St. Peters, Missouri, early in the morning without her cellphone. This information was shared by the St. Peters Police Department.
At the time of her disappearance, Olke, who attended Creative Studies, a private art school in Detroit, Michigan, was home on spring break, according to her father, Gerald Olke.
Gerald mentioned that his daughter had been experiencing stress from her recent midterm exams and chose to extend her spring break to prioritize her mental well-being.
After leaving her home on Thursday, it seems Olke drove around, making stops at various local stores like Target, grocery outlets, and Walgreens, as reported.
Her car was eventually found abandoned along a rural road outside St. Jacob, Illinois, approximately 90 miles from her home.
Images from the scene depicted police activity on the rural road, with Olke’s car found wedged on an embankment near a stream.
Reports indicated that the car’s dashcam had been removed before its discovery.
Olke was last seen dressed in an olive green hooded sweatshirt, denim jeans, and black athletic shoes with white soles.
She had several medical conditions needing attention, which prompted authorities to initiate an urgent search, demonstrating concern for her safety.
Illinois emergency teams utilized drones and K-9 units in their search efforts.
Unfortunately, authorities announced that Olke was found deceased on Saturday in Madison County, Illinois—the same county where her car was located the previous day.
The cause of death has not been disclosed yet, but officials have ruled out foul play and stated that there is currently no danger to the public.
St. Peters Police urged the community to keep Olke’s family in their thoughts during this challenging time, expressing gratitude to everyone who shared information and offered prayers.
