(WWJ) - Michigan State University police released additional details about the search efforts by partner agencies and one private investigator who first discovered Brendan Santo's body while reviewing camera footage.
MSU police said in an updated release that private investigator Ryan Robison was watching video from an under water camera Thursday night when he saw something tangled in a log jam submerged in Red Cedar River.
The police were notified by Robison around midnight on Jan. 21 and dive resources were immediately assembled at the suspected location and the area of closed off.
"Dive teams and multiple resources were in the water at first light to begin the recovery process," the MSU police said in their release. Santo's body was recovered shortly afterward.
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Officials say the area of the river where Robison made the discovery was already a spot of intense interest to authorities.
Law enforcement had planned a large, complex search operation for the week of Jan. 24 -- search teams and police prepared to clear logs and debris that cluttered the river, so divers and boats would have safe access.
Police said they originally did not give specific details during their press conference on Friday afternoon out of respect for the Santo family, who later gave them permission to share the information.
"Our original news release said that we have worked collaboratively with the Santo family and their supporters, and that partnership was essential in our effort to find Brendan," MSU police said.
"Not only is that statement true, we cannot thank Ryan enough for his relentless efforts."
The body is currently in possession of medical examiners at Sparrow Hospital where an autopsy and identification process is pending, but authorities said they strongly believed they had found Santo.
The 18-year-old from Rochester Hills had been missing for three months since he disappeared on Michigan State University's campus on Oct. 29. He was last seen leaving Yakley Hall on the north side of campus just before midnight.
Santo was a Grand Valley State University freshman and was visiting friends in East Lansing the weekend of the Michigan/Michigan State football game.
Authorities thanked the huge collaborative effort involving multiple departments, agencies and resources for all contributing to the discovery.
"Each of our partner agencies, including Ryan, offered important information and resources that led to yesterday’s discovery. Again, we thank them all."
Police said this news may come as a shock for many in the community and posted resources at MSU and GVSU for people who are struggling.
The MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) is available 24/7 for students and staff by calling 517-355-8270 and the MSU Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available by calling 517-355-4506.
Students at Grand Valley State University can also contact their University Counseling Center at 616-331-3266.
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