EAST LANSING (WWJ) -- After an extensive, hopeful, months-long investigation, the search for a missing college student in Michigan has come to an end.
"Today after an extensive search, MSU Police and Public Safety and our law enforcement partners recovered a body in the Red Cedar River at approximately 12:30 p.m. in Lansing," MSU Police Inspector Chris Rozman said in press conference.
"The body is believed to be that of Brendan Santo, but identification is still pending."
Rozman said the human remains were found by the Michigan State University Police and Public Safety in a collaborative effort with the Michigan State Police Marine Services Division, capital area dive teams, and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
"It was a very complex and dangerous point of the river to search and it required a lot of resources to do that just based on the location, the complexity of that area and the entanglement hazards and debris," Rozman said.
The body was found approximately 1.5 miles downriver of where Santo was reported to be last seen.
According to authorities, the Santo family has been informed and are being provided with as much information and support as possible during this time.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to the Santo family and all those who knew Brendan," wrote MSU Police in a statement. "We ask that the public respect the family's privacy."
Rozman encouraged those within the campus community and beyond to reach out and utilize resources if they are struggling with the news.
"Its important to remember that grief some individuals may be experiencing is normal and there are a number of ways in which individuals can seek support, including talking with friends, family and colleagues to process this information."
"There are many resources available at both Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University if students or anybody need assistance."
Officials said they still have no reason to believe foul play is involved or that Brendan intended to harm himself.
Rozman said the body has been transferred over to the medical examiner and pathologists at Sparrow Hospital where a detailed autopsy will be preformed.
Since this is an open and active investigation, officials are limited in what they can share at this time, but MSU Police and Public Safety and their law enforcement partners said they will continue to investigate the circumstances and details surrounding this incident.
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Santo has been missing since the evening of Oct. 29 when he left a dorm at Michigan State University and disappeared.
The Grand Valley State University freshman from Rochester Hills was visiting friends in East Lansing the weekend of the Michigan/Michigan State rivalry football game.
Santo was last seen leaving Yakeley Hall on the north side of campus by himself just before midnight, and his last cellular activity was on Beal Street near Michigan Avenue.
His friends believed he was traveling back to the Brody dorms, where he was staying, but a Snapchat he reportedly sent to a friend said he was lost.
The cameras in the area where he is believed to be last seen were not working.
This past week, Santo's family increased the reward for information leading to Brendan's recovery to $30,000.
A police task force had been focusing their search in and along the Red Cedar River in East Lansing for the last several weeks.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest updates >> LISTEN LIVE
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