Tragic Loss of Wisconsin Graduate Student Elliot Heinz
The family of Elliot Heinz, a graduate student from Wisconsin, is heartbroken, expressing that he “has a piece that is missing forever.” This follows the unfortunate conclusion of a four-day search after he was found deceased in the Mississippi River.
Heinz went missing early Sunday morning while walking home from a night out with a friend in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin. His body was discovered on Wednesday near Brownsville, Minnesota, over 10 miles away from where he was last seen.
“The walk at Elliot’s house is over. Unfortunately, our family has just begun walking this new hard path,” his family stated. They added, “We love you, Elliot.”
Heinz, a student at Viterbo University, was reportedly at Broncobar in College Town when he disappeared. Security footage later showed him walking near the Mississippi River waterfront. When he didn’t return home, friends and family alerted the police, prompting a widespread search.
His body was located downstream on Wednesday morning. The La Crosse police department indicated that their investigation would continue as they await autopsy results to determine the official cause of death.
“Elliot was a beautiful person,” his family remembered. “She was clever, funny, caring, and passionately loved by us. We can’t understand why such a blessing was taken from us. She was amazing, and now she is gone. Our family is missing her forever.”
Heinz’s mother revealed that he was studying mental health counseling at Viterbo University. The institution plans to hold a service in his honor in the fall when students return.
“There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so young,” the school stated. “Our hearts go out to Elliot’s family. We pray for them and stand with them in their sorrow.”
