Autopsy Confirms Accidental Drowning of Wisconsin Graduate Student Eliotte Heinz
LA CROSSE, Wis. — The cause of death for Eliotte Heinz, a 22-year-old graduate student at Viterbo University, has been officially ruled as accidental drowning following her disappearance in July. Heinz’s body was discovered face down in the Mississippi River near Brownsville, Minnesota, more than a dozen miles from where she was last seen walking home from a bar in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The La Crosse County Medical Examiner’s Office released an autopsy report on December 11 confirming the findings.
Heinz vanished in the early morning hours of July 20, 2025, after leaving Broncos Bar around 2:30 a.m. Witnesses last saw her walking along the Mississippi River waterfront at about 3:30 a.m., and surveillance footage later captured her heading toward her nearby apartment. Despite a thorough search, her body was only recovered three days later by a fisherman who spotted her wrapped in duckweed.
The autopsy revealed no evidence of trauma, physical assault, or foul play, ruling out any criminal involvement. Toxicology tests showed that Heinz had no drugs in her system but had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.19%, more than twice the legal driving limit of 0.08%. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a BAC at this level is associated with severe impairment of motor skills, speech, vision, and decision-making.
The tragic circumstances highlight concerns about student safety near waterways and the dangers of alcohol impairment. Authorities have emphasized the importance of community awareness and caution, especially during late-night hours. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death, and alcohol use significantly increases the risk.
Local law enforcement and emergency personnel conducted extensive search efforts following Heinz’s disappearance, coordinating with agencies across state lines. The recovery of her body near Brownsville, Minnesota, underscores the challenges of search operations in large river systems like the Mississippi. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the river infrastructure and often assists in such search and rescue missions.
Heinz’s death has reignited discussions on campus safety measures and the need for increased support for students navigating nightlife and transportation options. Viterbo University has expressed condolences to the family and community, reaffirming its commitment to student welfare.
For those seeking more information on alcohol-related risks and prevention, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers resources and support services nationwide.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Eliotte Heinz while advocating for enhanced safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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