Body of missing Winona State Univ. student found

WINONA, Minn. (KMSP) - The body of a missing Winona State University freshman has been found.

The Winona County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Chukwudi Benjamin Onyeaghala’s body was found Tuesday morning in the Mississippi river south of Winona. The 19-year-old from White Bear Lake went missing on October 7.

FIRST REPORT - Winona State University student missing

Chukwudi Benjamin Onyeaghala was last seen near 6th and Huff Streets in Winona shortly before midnight on Oct. 7. Police issued an alert after all attempts to contact Onyeaghala by phone and through social media were unsuccessful. Water searches were conducted over the weekend and continued early this week.

Statement from Winona State University

The Winona State University community mourns the loss of Chukwudi Benjamin “Ben” Onyeaghala of White Bear Lake, Minn. Onyeaghala, 19, enrolled at WSU in fall 2015 and was majoring in Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences: Movement Science.

“I ask all members of the Winona State University community to keep Ben’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers,” said Denise McDowell, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Life. “During this difficult time, gently connect with those among us who may be struggling with acceptance and understanding. May we find peace and the strength to endure as we remember Ben’s life and the good times shared.”

Counseling and support services are being made available to the campus community.