Wisconsin graduate student vanishes after late-night walk; desperate family pleads for help
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Authorities are searching for a 22-year-old graduate student who went missing early Sunday morning in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Eliotte Heinz was last seen walking near the waterfront just before 3:30 a.m. Sunday, according to the La Crosse Police Department.

Less than an hour before she was last seen, she was with friends at Bronco’s Bar in the city’s downtown area. The bar closed at 2:30 a.m.

Her family, friends and police made several attempts to locate her with no success, officials said in a statement.

Eliotte Heinz, 22, is a gradudate student at Viterbo University.

Eliotte Heinz, 22, is a gradudate student at Viterbo University. (Photos courtesy of Amber Heinz)

The incident comes six years after University of South Carolina student Samantha Josephson, 21, was kidnapped and murdered by Nathaniel Rowland, who was posing as a rideshare driver, on March 29, 2019.

On the way home from the college town’s Five Points bar scene, in the early morning hours, Josephson mistook Rowland’s car for an Uber and was abducted.

During a police search for Josephson, an eerily similar sidewalk photo to Heinz’s was distributed by local authorities.

Nathaniel Rowland was found guilty in the 2019 killing of 21-year-old Samantha Josephson.

Nathaniel Rowland was found guilty in the 2019 killing of 21-year-old Samantha Josephson. (Columbia Police Department via AP)

However, Heinz’s mother told Fox News Digital it is unclear if her daughter was attempting to call an Uber or Lyft when she disappeared.

Uber and Lyft did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.

Josephson was stabbed more than 100 times, and her body was later found in a wooded area more than an hour from her pickup location.

State Circuit Judge Clifton Newman sentenced Rowland to life in prison.

Anyone with information about Heinz’s whereabouts is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 608-782-7575. 

Information can also be sent anonymously to La Crosse Area Crime Stoppers at 608-784-TIPS or submitted online at https://www.p3tips.com/459.

The La Crosse Police Department declined Fox News Digital’s request for comment, citing the active investigation.

Bronco’s Bar did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Crime and safety expert reacts to bodycam of viral Jacksonville traffic stop

Crime and Safety Expert Weighs In on Viral Jacksonville Traffic Stop Bodycam Footage

First Coast News Crime and Safety Expert Ken Jefferson said some of…
Expert outlines grim reality of MRI's dangers after man with 20-pound chain dies in machine mishap: 'Snap his neck'

Expert Reveals MRI’s Potential Hazards After Tragic Equipment Mishap Fatally Injures Man with Heavy Chain

A Long Island resident tragically lost his life in a bizarre MRI…
Yellowstone aspen recovering thanks to 1990s reintroduction of wolves: Study

Study: Yellowstone Aspen Thriving Following 1990s Wolf Reintroduction

The restoration of gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park has helped revive…
ICE arrests illegal immigrant accused of decapitating Illinois woman after judge set him free

Illinois coroner releases new details about woman found dead on illegal immigrant’s property

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! An Illinois coroner has…
Ozzy Osbourne is dead aged 76, family say 

Family Announces Passing of Ozzy Osbourne at 76

Ozzy Osbourne has died ‘surrounded by love’ at the age of 76, a…
Man who abducted, murdered woman in Bay County in 1982 to be executed in August

Man Convicted of 1982 Bay County Kidnapping and Murder to Face Execution in August

Kayle Bates, 67, is set to die Aug. 19 in the 10th…
Jacksonville, Florida police investigating 'viral' video showing officer punching driver in the face

Jacksonville, Florida police investigating ‘viral’ video showing officer punching driver in the face

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Police in Jacksonville, Florida…
Chinese citizen admits stealing US trade secrets for next-generation national security tech

Chinese citizen admits stealing US trade secrets for next-generation national security tech

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A dual U.S.-Chinese citizen…