A weekend outing ended in heartbreak for a Wisconsin family after 22-year-old Eliotte Heinz, a graduate student at Viterbo University, vanished and was later discovered dead in the Mississippi River.

Authorities say preliminary autopsy results show no indication of foul play in Heinz’s death, though the cause remains undetermined and the investigation continues, as Fox News reports.

Heinz was reported missing after spending the night out with friends in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, on Saturday, July 19. According to the La Crosse Police Department, she was last seen around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday walking alone along the Mississippi River waterfront. Surveillance footage confirmed that she appeared to be heading in the direction of her nearby apartment.

What began as a night of socializing took a tragic turn when Heinz never made it home. Four days after her disappearance, on Wednesday, July 23, a fisherman discovered her body floating face down in the Mississippi River near Brownsville, Minnesota. Duckweed had collected around her, and she was found just across from a popular marina bar.

Authorities find body across state line

Authorities confirmed the discovery and identity of Heinz later that same day. A photograph captured by a marina bar owner's daughter reportedly showed the moment law enforcement located Heinz’s body in the river. Law enforcement agencies from both Minnesota and Wisconsin responded to the grim discovery, reflecting the cross-jurisdictional nature of the case.

On Friday, July 25, preliminary results from an autopsy conducted by the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office were released. According to La Crosse police, no signs of foul play or criminal conduct were found. While initial findings suggest the death was not the result of a crime, officials emphasized that the full autopsy report could take several more months to complete.

Authorities involved in the investigation represent a large coordinated effort across multiple jurisdictions. In addition to the La Crosse police, the La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, La Crescent Police Department, and offices from the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources all played a role. Specialized dive and rescue teams from La Crosse Fire Department and the Wisconsin DNR also assisted in the search missions.

Details of final hours remain unclear

Despite the discovery of her body, many questions remain unanswered. Investigators recovered Heinz’s cell phone and are currently reviewing its data to reconstruct her final movements. The precise circumstances that led to her ending up in the river are still not understood.

Heinz's disappearance and death have raised concerns reminiscent of past incidents. From 1997 to 2006, the University of Wisconsin’s River Watch program recorded at least eight drowning deaths of college students in the Mississippi River, many linked to alcohol consumption. Though officials have not identified alcohol as a factor in Heinz’s case, her disappearance followed a Saturday night out at local bars with friends.

The loss has devastated those who knew Heinz. In an emotional statement shared with Fox News Digital, her family called her smart, funny, and deeply loved. “Eliotte is a beautiful person... We are devastated that she is no longer with us. Our family will forever have a missing piece,” the family said.

Community supports devastated family

Her family expressed gratitude for the wave of support received during the ordeal, particularly from the La Crosse community and Viterbo University. “We cannot thank our family, friends, the La Crosse community, Viterbo University, or the La Crosse PD enough... Eliotte’s walk home is finished. Unfortunately, our family’s walk down this new hard path is just beginning,” they wrote.

The final details of Heinz's cause of death may still take months to determine. In the meantime, police continue to investigate the timeline and events leading up to her disappearance and the discovery of her body. They have not released any conclusions about how she may have ended up in the river.

Until definitive answers are known, her family, friends, and campus community are left grieving and wondering what led to her tragedy. The case remains officially open as law enforcement works to gather and analyze all available evidence.

Lessons to learn

The tragic loss of Eliotte Heinz highlights safety concerns for students and other individuals enjoying nightlife near large bodies of water. These lessons are not about blaming the victim but about helping others stay informed and as safe as possible.

1. Stick together when going out: Whenever possible, stay with a trusted group when walking home from bars or events, especially late at night or in areas near water.

2. Use safe transportation: In situations where walking alone is the only option, consider using a ride-share service, campus escort, or taxi to reach your destination safely.

3. Check in regularly: Encourage friends to share their location and check in upon leaving and arriving home safely. Communication between peers can often prevent dangerous situations from escalating unnoticed.

No precautions can guarantee safety, and individuals should not be blamed for what happened to them. Nonetheless, increased public awareness can help communities unite to support and protect one another.

Why this story matters

Eliotte Heinz’s death is a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities young adults can face, particularly in university towns with access to rivers or open water. Cases like hers raise urgent questions about late-night safety and riverfront security.

The tragedy has affected not only those who knew her but also the greater La Crosse and Viterbo University communities. Understanding the risks involved and informing policies that could prevent similar outcomes in the future gives this story continued significance.