Kori Gauthier: The body of an LSU student who went missing a week ago was found in the Mississippi River

“Since Kori was first reported missing, the LSU Police Department, Baton Rouge Police Department and other law enforcement agencies and volunteers have taken extensive steps to locate her and, in the process, determine what led to her disappearance,” said LSU Police Chief Bart Thompson said. “This is a difficult conclusion for all of us, but we hope it will bring closure to the Gauthier family.”

Based on cell phone tracking, video footage, and a timeline of events related to this case – combined with other evidence we shared with Kori’s parents that we are not free to disclose out of respect for their privacy – we have concluded that there was no criminal activity or foul play, ”he added.

The search for a missing LSU student is limited to part of the Mississippi River, the university says
Gauthier, an 18-year-old freshman at LSU, had not been seen since April 6. Her car was found unoccupied at the scene of an accident on the I-10 bridge in Baton Rouge, according to LSU. The Louisiana Department of Transportation confirmed that there was an accident on the I-10 bridge on April 7 that closed two lanes.
Citing Baton Rouge Police Department, CNN-affiliated WAFB reported that Gauthier’s car appeared to have been abandoned and left on the bridge.

“When officers arrived, they found Gauthier’s personal belongings – including her phone – inside and had her car towed to a junkyard,” WAFB reported.

The search for Gauthier was limited to a section of the Mississippi River after a K-9 cadaver dog alerted the same section of the river twice before Saturday, the school said at the time. Her body was discovered in the river on Tuesday and later identified.

The Gauthier family has asked to express their heartfelt thanks to all law enforcement officials and volunteers who assisted in the investigation and search. and weeks ahead, “the latest police statement said.

“Our LSU community is devastated by the loss of Kori Gauthier,” interim LSU President Tom Galligan said in the statement. Our thoughts are with her parents, her family and everyone who knew her during this very difficult time. We offer our deepest condolences to her family and friends. ”

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