The body of a 22-year-old graduate student who went missing early Sunday morning has been found in the Mississippi River, according to the La Crosse Police Department.

Eliotte Heinz, a graduate student at Viterbo University, was last seen around 2:30 a.m. Sunday after leaving Bronco’s Bar in La Crosse, Wisconsin, ABC News reported. Police said she was later spotted near the Mississippi River at approximately 3:22 a.m. (RELATED: Police Find Elderly Client ‘Encased In Concrete,’ Arrest Handyman As Person Of Interest)

Eliotte Heinz’s body was found in the Mississippi River near Brownsville, Minn., after a three-day search. La Crosse Police Department is investigating the cause of death. https://t.co/jT5KCFVNsm

— La Crosse Tribune (@LaCrosseTribune) July 23, 2025

Authorities confirmed that Heinz’s body was recovered Wednesday near Brownsville, Minnesota.

“This was not the outcome we had hoped for throughout this search,” police said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Eliotte’s family, friends, and all those who knew her.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Police said they are awaiting autopsy results to determine an official cause of death.

Viterbo University responded to the news in a statement, saying the community is “heartbroken by this loss” and extending sympathies to Heinz’s loved ones.

“There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so young, with so much life ahead of her,” Viterbo University Dr. Rick Trietley said in a statement.

In the days following Heinz’s disappearance, the community mobilized in support, distributing missing person flyers and searching the area. Her family had asked residents to review home security footage from between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Sunday.

Viterbo University announced plans to hold a memorial service in the fall, once students return to campus, in coordination with Heinz’s family.