Cause of Death Revealed for Wisconsin Graduate Student Found in River
Authorities have determined the cause of death for Elliot Heinz, a 22-year-old graduate student from Wisconsin. Her body was discovered face down in the Mississippi River just days after she vanished while walking home from a bar in July.
The La Crosse County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that Heinz drowned, and it was deemed an accidental death, according to an autopsy report retrieved recently.
Heinz, a Viterbo University student, went missing around 2:30 a.m. on July 20 after leaving Broncos Bar in La Crosse with friends. Three days later, her body was found by a fisherman near Brownsville, Minnesota, more than twelve miles from where she was last seen.
The autopsy indicated there was no significant trauma or evidence of foul play. Toxicology tests confirmed no drugs were present in her system, but a blood test revealed a high alcohol level of approximately 0.19%. This level is linked to serious impairments in coordination and reasoning, given that the legal limit for driving is 0.08%.
Heinz was last spotted walking near the Mississippi River waterfront around 3:30 a.m., and surveillance footage captured her heading toward her apartment, which was less than a mile away.
Witnesses noted that a marina bar owner discovered her body, which was partially obscured by vegetation. Jonathan Strike, who lived in the same apartment complex as Heinz, described her as a kind and quiet individual who always greeted others. He expressed deep sadness over her tragic passing.
Heinz’s family issued a heartfelt statement, describing her as a “beautiful person” who was smart, funny, and deeply loved. They expressed their profound grief over her loss, stating, “We don’t know why we can’t keep her.” The family remains devastated by the absence of a vital member.
In a broader context, the University of Wisconsin River Watch program, established in 2006, highlights the risk of alcohol-related drownings, noting that several college students drowned in the Mississippi River between 1997 and 2006 due to excessive drinking.
