After a week of investigation, a body that was recovered last Tuesday from the Mississippi River has been confirmed to be that of Kori Gauthier, a missing Louisiana State University (LSU) student.
Officials confirmed the discovery last Wednesday, and according to Bart Thompson, the LSU Chief of Police, investigators concluded that there was no criminal activity or foul play involved.
This conclusion was reached as a result of cell phone tracking, video footage, and “other evidence we shared with Kori’s parents that we are not at liberty to disclose publicly out of respect for their privacy.”
Details of the Investigation
Gauthier was reported missing on April 7, when her vehicle was found on the Horace Wilkinson Bridge by the Baton Rouge police. It was unoccupied a little after midnight, following an accident that was described as “a stalled vehicle on the bridge” by NBC News.
In an earlier article, NBC News also reported that the officer who responded to the call immediately removed her vehicle from the roadway to prevent other crashes.
“Upon arrival the officer observed the stalled vehicle was unoccupied. The officer acted quickly to have the vehicle removed from the roadway to prevent any other crashes. The registered owner of the unoccupied vehicle was not contacted, but this investigation remained ongoing,” the Baton Rouge police said in a statement.
Pictures of the accident, as well as the first murmurs of suspicion that her disappearance might have involved foul play, circulated days after.
Kori Gauthier, 19. Missing LSU student. Her phone & wallet was found inside her vacant car. This story just doesn’t sit right with me. Someone knows something. A simple post or search can help #FindKoriGauthier 🥺💓 pic.twitter.com/8IxtwnJ6Y6
— Keion Monique (@kei_lyons) April 10, 2021
Gauthier’s Uncle Encourages Mental Health Awareness
Gauthier’s uncle, who has only been identified on Twitter by his first name, Spencer, went on Facebook Live to encourage netizens to “get comfortable having uncomfortable conversations.”
Some beautiful words from Kori Gauthier’s uncle Spencer. May her beautiful soul Rest In Peace, Filled with joy now that her family have their closure even if it wasn’t the result we all wanted. #KoriGauthier pic.twitter.com/rKhdUJXN9N
— hi (@ceshiesty_) April 14, 2021
“A nation of people came together for my niece. The same nation of people can come to your side and help you throughout things in life if you simply say the truth and say what’s going on. We’re all in this together, alright?”
