La Crosse, WI – The La Crosse County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that 22-year-old Viterbo University student Eliotte (“Eliot”) Heinz died from drowning, ruling the manner of death accidental. The findings follow the release of an autopsy report that brings clarity to the tragic loss of the graduate student who went missing in July 2025.
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What Happened the Night Eliotte Disappeared?
Eliotte Heinz was last seen around 2:30 a.m. on July 20, 2025, walking home after a night out with friends at Broncos Bar in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Her disappearance caused immediate concern among family and friends.
Three days later, on July 23, a fisherman discovered her body in the Mississippi River near Brownsville, Minnesota, more than 12 miles from where she was last seen.
The medical examiner’s report noted no signs of trauma, stating there was “no concrete evidence of trauma” and no indication of foul play, assault, or criminal involvement. These findings strongly support that the drowning was accidental.
Toxicology Results and Alcohol Impairment
Toxicology testing revealed that Eliotte had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.19%, nearly two and a half times the legal driving limit. At this level, significant impairment of coordination, judgment, vision, and motor skills is expected.
No drugs were found in her system.
Experts note that with such a high BAC, walking near a major river at night becomes extremely dangerous. Alcohol-related drownings in similar circumstances are, unfortunately, not uncommon.
Timeline and Riverbank Footage
Surveillance video showed Eliotte walking along the Mississippi River around 3:30 a.m., heading toward her apartment. Shortly after, her body was found face down in the river, partially covered in duckweed.
The discovery ended the community-wide search, but left loved ones devastated.
Family’s Heartbreaking Response
Eliotte’s family remembered her as a “beautiful human being,” issuing a deeply emotional statement:
“She was smart, funny, caring, and we loved her very much. We don’t know why we were so lucky to have her as a daughter, or why we are unable to keep her.”
Her unexpected passing has left the family shattered, saying:
“We are devastated that she is no longer with us. Our family will always have a missing piece.”
Community Tributes and Local Impact
Friends, classmates, and La Crosse residents shared their grief, describing Eliotte as kind, warm, and unfailingly friendly.
Neighbor Jonathan Strike recalled her as “a very sweet, quiet girl,” adding:
“She always said ‘hi’ when she passed by. She tried to be friendly with everyone—even my dog who jumps on people.”
Her death has touched many beyond her family, reminding the community of the dangers of excessive drinking near waterways.
University and Safety Program Context
The University of Wisconsin’s River Watch Program, established to prevent alcohol-related drownings, previously reported eight student drownings in the Mississippi River between 1997 and 2006.
While Eliotte’s death occurred years later, it underscores the ongoing risk posed by intoxication near large bodies of water.
Conclusion
Eliotte Heinz’s death is a tragic reminder of how quickly alcohol impairment can lead to dangerous and life-threatening situations. The La Crosse community, along with her family and friends, continues to mourn the loss of a promising young woman whose life was cut far too short.
Her loved ones remain committed to preserving her memory, honoring the joy, intelligence, and kindness she shared with everyone around her.
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.