STT. University of Michigan Student Found Dead After Leaving Fraternity Party in Extreme Cold
ANN ARBOR, Michigan — A University of Michigan student was found dead after being missing for nearly a day amid harsh, cold weather, sparking grief and numerous questions within the campus community.
The victim has been identified as Lucas Mattson, a University of Michigan student, who was reported missing Friday afternoon after failing to return to his residence.
According to the Ann Arbor Police Department, Lucas was reported missing around 4:30 p.m. Friday, when family and friends were unable to contact him.
Immediately afterward, authorities launched a search operation that lasted throughout the night in what were described as “extremely harsh” weather conditions.
Leaving the party in inappropriate attire for the weather.
Before his disappearance, Lucas was reportedly attending a party at a student union house on or near campus.
In an official statement, University of Michigan interim president Domenico Grasso emphasized that Lucas attended only as a guest, not as a member or intern of the student body, and urged the community not to spread misinformation.
“At this time, we can confirm that prior to his disappearance, Lucas attended a party at the student union as a guest. He was neither a member nor an intern,” Grasso said.
“We need to let the investigators complete their work and avoid speculation while the facts remain unconfirmed.”
According to initial reports, when leaving the party, Lucas was only wearing a t-shirt and jeans, while the outdoor temperature was plummeting, creating dangerous conditions for anyone exposed to the elements for an extended period.
The search operation took place in extremely cold conditions.
Police said the search lasted nearly 20 hours, running continuously from Friday afternoon into Saturday evening.
The participating forces included:
- Ann Arbor Police Department
- University of Michigan Safety and Security Department
- University of Michigan Police Department drone team
The search operation was conducted in extremely low temperatures, strong winds, and freezing temperatures, making movement and terrain surveying very difficult.
“The search took place in extremely cold weather conditions and lasted for many hours,” police said in a press release.
Body discovered, no signs of foul play.
By Saturday evening, Lucas Mattson’s body was discovered on Cambridge Road, ending the search but ushering in a new period of grief for his family and community.
According to the police, no signs of injury were found on the victim’s body, and there was no basis to suspect foul play at this time.
The Washtenaw County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
The school is committed to screening and prevention.
Interim principal Domenico Grasso said he had asked the relevant units to review the entire sequence of events on the night Lucas went missing, in order to understand what happened and find preventative measures for the future.
“I am incredibly grateful for the concern and support from so many people who were worried about Lucas’s safety, including those who participated in the search in extremely difficult weather conditions,” said Grasso.
The school also stated that it will continue to support the victim’s family and provide psychological counseling services for students affected by the incident.
The grief is spreading throughout the student community.
Lucas Mattson’s death has created a wave of emotion within the University of Michigan community, where students, faculty, and staff share grief and shock at the sudden loss.
Many students said the incident was a painful reminder of the dangers of winter weather, as well as the importance of caring for one another in a university environment.
While the medical investigation is still underway, the school community continues to mourn a young student who passed away too soon, and awaits official information to clarify the cause of this tragedy.
