Tragic Discovery of Wisconsin Graduate Student
New information has come to light regarding the morning when graduate student Elliot Heinz was found deceased in the Mississippi River. The 22-year-old, who attended Viterbo University, disappeared after a night out at a bar with a friend. Surveillance footage captured her walking by the river around 3:30 AM on Sunday before she was last seen heading toward her apartment, located less than a mile away.
Local fishermen discovered her body before 10:30 AM on Wednesday near Brownsville, Minnesota, as confirmed by authorities. According to the owner of a marina bar nearby, a young fisherman initially mistook the body for a log; it became visible from the shore.
Law enforcement was called to the scene, and those nearby were instructed to maintain a safe distance while the investigation was underway.
As of now, the cause of Heinz’s death is still unknown, pending the results of an autopsy. It’s worth noting that incidents of intoxication leading to drownings in the La Crosse area are not unusual. The Wisconsin River Watch program, established in 2006, claims eight university students perished in the Mississippi River from 1997 to2006, with some reports suggesting that the number could be much higher in recent years.
Interestingly, the so-called “smiley face” murder theory has been brought up in related discussions. This theory posits that the deaths of young men in the Midwest may be linked to foul play, marked by smiley-face graffiti found near the locations where bodies were discovered. However, the FBI has dismissed this theory, attributing these tragedies to excessive alcohol consumption instead.
The bar owner mentioned that despite the area’s tragic history of drownings, locals consider the downtown atmosphere safe and lively. “It’s definitely a university town, especially on Third Street,” Eric Mora, owner of a taco bar, commented. He noted that while it’s common for younger crowds to enjoy nightlife, there’s a tendency for students to walk home alone after a night out. “I don’t think anyone aims for the river, at least not on purpose,” he added, expressing his shock at the situation.
Mora also reflected on the unfortunate timing of the bar’s closure on the night Heinz went missing, suggesting that if it had been open, there might have been opportunities for her to be seen or helped.
Elliot’s family has made a heart-wrenching statement about their loss, describing her as a remarkable and beloved person. “Eliot was clever, funny, caring, and her absence leaves a huge void,” they shared, expressing the pain of losing someone so cherished.
