The body of Eliotte Heinz, a 22-year-old graduate student, was found in the Mississippi River on Wednesday morning, July 23, 2025, concluding a four-day search effort in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas. Heinz had been reported missing after disappearing on July 20, 2025.
Her body was discovered near Brownsville, Minnesota, by the Houston County Sheriff’s Department at around 10:28 a.m. The location was over a dozen miles downstream from her last known location in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Originally from Hortonville, Wisconsin, Heinz was last seen on surveillance footage at 3:22 a.m. on July 20 as she walked south on the 500 block of Front Street South in La Crosse. She had been at Bronco’s Bar on Third Street South earlier that night and was seen walking alone near the Mississippi River waterfront, about three-quarters of a mile from her apartment.
Heinz was pursuing a graduate degree in mental health counseling at Viterbo University in La Crosse. The university, which enrolls fewer than 2,100 students, became a hub for volunteers participating in the search.
La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron expressed the department’s disappointment, stating, “This was not the outcome we had hoped for throughout this search.” He conveyed condolences to Heinz’s family and thanked the community for their support during the search effort.
The search involved multiple agencies and numerous community members. Friends, family, and law enforcement utilized air, land, and water resources on Monday and Tuesday. The La Crosse Fire Department dispatched boats, and police used drones for aerial searches. Community members distributed flyers and reviewed security camera footage at the request of police.
During the search, friends found Heinz’s cellphone, as reported by her mother, Amber Heinz. The family had contacted authorities on Sunday morning when they couldn’t reach her. Amber Heinz described Eliotte as having “the biggest heart and unending kindness,” noting that she was the eldest of three siblings.
Viterbo University held a prayer service at San Damiano Chapel on Monday afternoon, welcoming attendees of all faiths. University President Dr. Rick Trietley acknowledged the significant impact of the loss and announced plans for a memorial service in the fall in coordination with Heinz’s family.
The La Crosse Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances of Heinz’s death, awaiting autopsy results to determine the official cause. Authorities are working to understand how she ended up approximately 13 miles from where she was last seen.
The case highlights ongoing safety concerns in the La Crosse area, adjacent to the Mississippi River. The university and local law enforcement have urged residents to review their security and doorbell camera footage for any insights that could aid the investigation.
The Viterbo community is grieving the loss. University officials expressed appreciation to the La Crosse Police Department and community members for their efforts in sharing information and supporting the search operations through various means.
Local authorities utilized social and traditional media to raise awareness about Heinz’s disappearance, asking the public for assistance. The La Crosse Area Crime Stoppers provided an option for anonymous tips regarding her whereabouts.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials strive to provide answers for Heinz’s family and the community that rallied in her search.