Body found in search for college student missing since Halloween weekend
A months-long search for a college student who vanished during a trip to visit friends back in October, the same weekend as the of the Michigan-Michigan State football game, has turned up a body just more than a mile from where he was last seen alive.
Brendan Santo was among thousands of people to travel to East Lansing to catch the rivalry football game on Oct. 29, but disappeared shortly before kick off. He was last seen at Yakeley Hall on Michigan State University’s campus, MLive reported.
Santo’s disappearance kicked off a search for the missing 18-year-old, which involved multiple local law enforcement agencies and scores of civilian volunteers. A reward for information in the case also recently climbed past $30,000.
On Friday, Michigan State University Police confirmed they recovered a body from the Red Cedar River they believe is the missing Grand Valley State University student. Authorities credited private investigator, Ryan Robinson, with leading them to the remains.
Robinson, who was working with the Santo family, was reviewing underwater video when he spotted what appeared to be a body submerged in the river and caught at a logjam.
Michigan State University Police Department spokesman Chris Rozman said investigators planned to search the region next week, but sped up their timeline thanks to Robinson’s tip. He noted a search of the area involved clearing logs and debris so boats and divers could more easily navigate the water.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to the Santo family and all those who knew Brendan,” Rozman said in a statement.
