Michigan State University Police Department announced Friday afternoon that a body has been recovered from Red Cedar River. The body is suspected to be Brendan Santo, who was reported missing on October 29, 2021, last seen near Yakeley Hall. Santo’s phone was last pinged near Michigan Ave. and Beal Street before midnight.
“The discovery was made possible as part of a collaborative effort between law enforcement and other partner resources,” MSU police said in a statement. MSU Police said the body was found about a mile and a half from where Santo was last seen on campus in a press release. Identification is pending.
The search for Santo lasted over 80 days from the date of his disappearance, with a reward of over $30,000 for any leads to where he may be. The Santo family has been notified and will be updated with any new developments as they come in.
Police say they do not believe foul play or self-harm was involved. MSUPD will continue to investigate with help from its law enforcement partners.
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) and the MSU Employee Assistance Program (EAP) are available for students to seek support during this difficult time.
UPDATE (10:19 p.m.): Authorities have identified that the body found in Red Cedar is Brendan Santo. Michigan State Police Inspector Chris Rozman identified Santo based on his dental records.
Stay tuned with Focal Point News for more developments.