The body of Eliotte Heinz was discovered in the Mississippi River near Brownsville, Minnesota, on Wednesday, 23 July 2025. This tragic discovery came after a four-day search following her sudden disappearance in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances behind her death, with an official cause pending autopsy results. How she ended up over a dozen miles away from where she was last seen remains a key question in the ongoing inquiry.
Who is Eliotte Heinz
Eliotte Heinz was a 22-year-old graduate student enrolled in the mental health counselling programme at Viterbo University in La Crosse, as per USA Today. She graduated from Hortonville High School in 2021 and was the eldest child in her family, which included a younger brother and sister.
Eliotte Heinz, grad student at Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI, last seen on Sunday around 3:30 a.m. near the Mississippi River. She left Bronco's Bar in La Crosse at approximately 2:30 a.m. Her body was found Wednesday in the Mississippi River near Brownsville, Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/anPh99zDVF
— Christina Vermillion (@C_Vermillion_) July 24, 2025
Her mother, Amber Heinz, described her as kind-hearted with striking blue eyes and said she had 'the biggest heart and unending kindness for everyone.' Viterbo University expressed deep sorrow over her passing, emphasising how much life she had ahead of her.
'We are heartbroken by this loss and extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends,' stated Viterbo University President Rick Trietley.
The school official added: '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.'
Eliotte Heinz Suddenly Disappeared
Eliotte was last seen on the early morning of Sunday, 20 July 2025, after spending time with friends at Bronco's Bar in downtown La Crosse. Surveillance footage captured her leaving the bar at around 2:30 a.m.
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS GIRL?
— Stella X (@stellaaaaaax) July 22, 2025
“A graduate student vanished along the MISSISSIPPI RIVER after leaving a bar early Sunday morning - and the 22-year-old's desperate parents are begging for help finding her days later.
Eliotte Heinz, who is enrolled at Viterbo College in LA CROSSE,… pic.twitter.com/51sB7LRjkS
She was later recorded at around 3:22 am walking southbound along Front Street near the Mississippi River, heading in the direction of her apartment located about three-quarters of a mile away. When family members could not reach her that morning, concern grew, and the police were notified. Friends searching along the riverbank later found her cellphone, intensifying the search effort.
Eliotte's Body Found Lifeless in Mississippi River
According to Fox News, a fisherman spotted a body in the Mississippi River near Brownsville, a few miles downstream from La Crosse. The identity was confirmed as Eliotte Heinz later that day. Her remains were located just before 10:30 am. Authorities have yet to release any information on whether foul play was involved. Investigators await autopsy results to determine the precise cause of death.
Update
— Jennifer Coffindaffer (@CoffindafferFBI) July 24, 2025
So sad to inform that Eliotte Heinz was found deceased in the Mississippi River.
She was 22.
She went out drinking with friends.
Somehow, she was left alone.
The manner and cause of death are pending.#Wisconsin pic.twitter.com/TOZSZSGMp1
The La Crosse Police Department and the community had rallied in a large-scale search involving volunteers and loved ones. Police Chief Shawn Kudron said 'this was not the outcome we had hoped for throughout this search.'
'Our thoughts are with Eliotte's family, friends and all those who knew Eliotte,' said Kudron.
He thanked the community and beyond for their support. Eliotte's family expressed their heartbreak and gratitude for the community's efforts during this difficult time.
'We are grateful for the outpouring of support from so many within the La Crosse community, the State of Wisconsin and nationally to locate Eliotte,' said the LCPD chief.
The tragic conclusion of the Eliotte Heinz case has left many searching for answers. Authorities urge residents with any potential security footage or information to come forward, as even minor details could prove crucial in the investigation. Viterbo University plans a memorial service in the coming autumn term to honour Eliotte's memory.
Originally published on IBTimes UK
