The La Crosse community is going through intense grief as news of the death of 22-year-old Eliotte Heinz circulates across the community.
Eloitte, a graduate student, was found lifeless in the Mississippi River this summer, following a four-day disappearance.
The search for her had left her family, friends, and volunteers in the search party at a loss for answers.
Heinz’s death has been officially ruled an accidental drowning.
She was last seen sometime around 2:30 am while walking home after hanging out with friends in downtown La Crosse.
Videos from surveillance cameras show her going towards the waterfront.
Her lifeless body was later discovered a few miles away from where she was last seen, covered with duckweed by the riverbank.
Autopy showed no evidence of trauma or foul play. No drugs were in her system.
The toxicology result showed dangerous levels of alcohol that could impair balance and judgement.
Friends are inconsolable, especially the last one that saw her alive, saying “I should have walked her home.”
Loved ones say that Eliotte was compassionate, humorous and gentle. She was a bright young woman with a welcoming presence.
This tragedy is a reminder of how a happy night can turn into a nightmare.
Memories of Eloitte Heinz will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
