The body of a missing La Crosse woman was located in the Mississippi River near Brownsville, Minn., on the morning of July 23, 2025.
According to Houston County Sheriff Brian Swedberg, a fisherman spotted the body at approximately 10:28 a.m. and notified authorities. Houston County deputies responded to confirm the finding, but the recovery itself was handled by La Crosse authorities while Houston County deputies stood by to maintain proper chain of custody.
The victim was identified as 22-year-old Eliotte Heinz, a graduate student from La Crosse, Wis. She had been reported missing on July 20, prompting a multi-agency search effort.
La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron said in a public statement that the department had been actively working to locate Heinz since she was reported missing. “This was not the outcome we had hoped for throughout this search,” Kudron said. “Our thoughts are with Eliotte’s family, friends and all those who knew Eliotte. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from so many within the La Crosse community, the State of Wisconsin and nationally to locate Eliotte.”
Preliminary autopsy results indicate no signs of criminal conduct, though the investigation remains open. Final autopsy and toxicology results are pending and may take several months.
The La Crosse Police Department confirmed that it remains the lead agency in the case, with Houston County’s role limited to confirming the discovery and assisting on scene until La Crosse crews completed the recovery.
In a public update, La Crosse Police thanked numerous assisting agencies for their efforts, including the La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, La Crescent Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigations, Fort McCoy Fire and Rescue, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, La Crosse Fire Department, La Crosse Dive and Rescue, the Wisconsin and Minnesota Departments of Natural Resources, the La Crosse County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office–Mayo Clinic.
The department also acknowledged the contributions of Viterbo University staff, students, families, and the many community members, business owners, and residents who volunteered in the search.
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the La Crosse Police Department at 608-782-7575 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 608-784-TIPS.
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