Authorities in Texas have declared the recent deaths of four individuals discovered in city bayous as indeterminate.

Among the deceased were five individuals, including 20-year-old Jade McKissic, a University of Houston student, all found lifeless in Houston bayous throughout September. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has labeled the deaths of McKissic, Rodney Chatman, Seth Hansen, and Michael Rice as undetermined, as reported by WTSM.

McKissic was discovered in Brays Bayou on September 15, merely five days after she was reported missing from campus. Authorities do not believe foul play was involved in her death.

Out of all the cases in September, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has identified both the cause and manner of death in only one instance. Arnulfo Alvarado, aged 63, was found in Buffalo Bayou on September 18. His passing was ruled an accidental drowning, with methamphetamine noted as a contributing factor, according to WTSM.

This year, reports reveal that at least 16 individuals have been discovered in waterways around Houston. In comparison, 25 bodies were recovered from local bayous the previous year.

Additionally, the Houston Chronicle reported that nine other Houston bayou deaths from this year were ruled undetermined. Officials have provided causes of death in 11 other cases, which ranged from drowning, suicide, and sudden cardiac arrest. Only one was ruled a homicide.

Last month, Houston officials dispelled rumors about a serial killer in the city, claiming the deaths appeared unconnected.

“I do say enough is enough on speculation, out of respect for the families and also the 2.3 million Houstonians in our region,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said. “We have challenges — we’re meeting those challenges — but a serial killer loose in Houston is not one of our challenges today.”

[Feature Photo: Houston Chronicle]