Key Point Summary โ College Student Vanishes
- 22-year-old Eliotte Heinz disappeared early Sunday morning in La Crosse
- Surveillance captured her near the Mississippi River at 3:22 a.m.
- She left Broncoโs Bar just before heading home
- Dive teams and drones continue searching the riverfront
- Family describes her as bright, responsible, and deeply loved
- Police urge residents to check surveillance footage
- Dozens of tips have come in, but she remains missing
Final Walk Along the Riverfront
Eliotte Heinz, a 22-year-old graduate student at Viterbo University, disappeared during the early hours of Sunday morning. Surveillance cameras recorded her walking near the 500 block of Front Street South at 3:22 a.m., close to the Mississippi River.
Just one hour earlier, she had been out with friends at Broncoโs Bar in downtown La Crosse. According to her family, Eliotte told them she was heading home. Sadly, she never arrived.
Search Intensifies Along Waterfront
On Monday morning, law enforcement launched a massive search along the river. Officers deployed drones, and dive teams scanned the Mississippi shoreline behind Front Street. Volunteers joined the effort on Tuesday at 8 a.m., gathering outside Viterbo Universityโs School of Nursing.
The La Crosse Police Department confirmed they received dozens of tips over the past two days. Officers are actively investigating each lead.
Family Issues Tearful Plea
Eliotteโs family has refused to give up hope. Her mother, Amber Heinz, broke down in tears during a press conference. She described her daughter as โa smart and responsible personโ who always communicated with loved ones.
โShe was trying to get home. Thatโs where she belongs,โ Amber said. โWe love her. We miss her. And we are doing everything possible to find her.โ
Amber urged neighbors to review footage from doorbell or security cameras. โEven if it seems insignificant, please let the police look. That small detail might be the key.โ
Brother Says Family Is โBrokenโ
Brett Heinz, Eliotteโs older brother, also spoke at the event. He described how the disappearance has torn their family apart.
โNone of us are okay right now,โ he said. โWe need to find Eliotte. This just isnโt like her.โ
Their heartbreak has mobilized a growing community of supporters. Dozens have passed out flyers across town, posted online alerts, and joined search crews.
What Eliotte Looks Like
Eliotte stands five feet four inches tall and weighs around 120 pounds. She has blue eyes and blonde hair. The last time anyone saw her, she wore a gray T-shirt and denim shorts.
Although she lives in La Crosse for school, she originally comes from Hortonville, Wisconsinโroughly a three-hour drive east.
Her family says Eliotte is currently pursuing a doctorate in psychology. She has always been dedicated to her education and loyal to her loved ones.
Police Follow All Leads
The La Crosse Police Department continues to investigate. Detectives are using all available resources and following every tip they receive.
In a Tuesday statement, the department thanked the public and promised to keep pushing forward. Officers encouraged anyone with even the smallest piece of information to reach out immediately.
How You Can Help
Anyone with knowledge of Eliotteโs whereabouts should call the La Crosse Police Department at 608-782-7575. To remain anonymous, people can contact La Crosse Area Crime Stoppers at 608-784-TIPS or submit a tip online.
For now, the city of La Crosse remains gripped by concern. As the hours tick by, a grieving family holds onto hopeโand a community keeps searching for answers.
