Tragedy struck in Wisconsin this summer, as investigators have finally determined how 22-year-old Eliotte Heinz—whose disappearance sent shockwaves through La Crosse—lost her life. The graduate student, whose bright future was cut short, vanished in the early hours of July 20 after a night out at Bronco’s Bar, according to her family and university officials.

Surveillance cameras last captured Heinz walking alone along Front Street South at approximately 3:22 a.m., mere steps from the Mississippi River’s edge. What happened next turned the city upside down: a desperate three-day search ended in heartbreak when her lifeless body was pulled from the river near Brownsville, Minnesota, roughly ten miles downstream from her school, Viterbo University.

Now, the La Crosse County Medical Examiner confirms the cause of death: Heinz drowned, and her tragic end has been ruled accidental. Authorities found no evidence of violence or injury to the body, ruling out foul play. Toxicology results reveal Heinz’s blood-alcohol level was 0.193—more than twice the legal driving limit in Wisconsin—suggesting she drank heavily that night, but there were no traces of other substances.

The case, which gripped local residents and drew wider attention across Wisconsin, left friends and family devastated. Police Chief Shawn Kudron issued a somber statement in July, expressing sorrow for the young woman’s loss and gratitude for the overwhelming support the search effort received from the community and beyond.

Heinz’s heartbroken family described her as someone who “loved fiercely,” mourning the loss of a daughter who, they said, “would have continued to amaze us.” Their statement, released through ABC affiliate WISN, captured the profound pain of losing a cherished child: “We are devastated that she is no longer with us. Our family will forever have a missing piece.”

With the autopsy results now public, the mystery surrounding Eliotte Heinz’s death has ended, but those closest to her now face the challenge of carrying on without her. “Eliotte’s walk home is finished,” her family said. “Unfortunately, our family’s walk down this new hard path is just beginning. We love you, Eliotte.”