The tragic discovery of 20-year-old University of Houston (UH) student Jade McKissic‘s body in Brays Bayou, only about 2 miles south of the UH campus, has left many wondering why it took so long for her to be reported missing and why there wasn’t more media coverage about the case.
What happened to Jade McKissic?
McKissic, who was Black and who sometimes went by “Sage,” was a junior majoring in strategic communications and advertising. Friends reported her missing on September 14 after saying they last saw her on September 11. The Houston Police Department says she spent the evening with friends at local bars, and someone last saw her around 1 a.m., leaving a gas station on her own near the UH campus, walking toward Brays Bayou. She had left her cell phone behind at the bar.
Searchers discovered her body on September 15 in Bray Bayou, a waterway close to the university. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences positively identified McKissic’s body on September 18.
In the aftermath of her death, the student group “Deeds not Words at UH” criticized the university for its delayed response, calling for better campus safety measures.
Unverified social media alleges foul play
Sadly, my cousin was apparently murdered. May she rest in peace. Her parents are distraught, of course, not just because she was their only child, Jade was a rare gem, indeed. She was an outstanding student at the University of Houston where her Father taught. She was loved.
— CCFreedmen (@CCFreedmen) September 18, 2025
Before she was confirmed dead, Reddit comments noted, “It’s likely due to her skin color,” as a possible explanation of the lack of media coverage. Meanwhile, on September 17, a woman identifying herself as McKissic’s cousin wrote on X, “Sadly, my cousin was apparently murdered. May she rest in peace.” The comment added, “Her parents are distraught, of course, not just because she was their only child, Jade was a rare gem, indeed. She was an outstanding student at the University of Houston where her Father taught. She was loved.”
The Houston Police Department has stated that there are no signs of trauma or foul play at this time, and the cause of death remains under investigation.
McKissic was known for her active involvement on campus, serving as a social media editor for student organizations, a campus orientation guide, and a front desk assistant. Her death has deeply impacted the university community, with many remembering her as creative, grounded, and engaged. Mourners plan a vigil in McKissic’s honor, and the university has urged students to utilize mental health and security support services.
