A 19-year-old University of Michigan student who went missing amid dangerously cold weather conditions has been found dead following an extensive overnight search, authorities said.
Lucas Mattson, an engineering sophomore at the university, was discovered unresponsive at around 12:05 p.m. on Saturday in the 1900 block of Cambridge Road, nearly 20 hours after he was last seen, according to the Ann Arbor Police Department (AAPD).
Mattson was last spotted at approximately 1 a.m. on Friday, walking alone in the 1700 block of Hill Street. Police said he was wearing only a T-shirt and jeans and was without a coat, despite sub-zero temperatures gripping the area at the time.
He was reported missing later that afternoon, at about 4:30 p.m. Friday, and was considered endangered due to the extreme frigid conditions.
“The nearly 20-hour search effort to locate him took place in extreme cold conditions and included officers from AAPD and the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security, as well as the University of Michigan Police Department Drone Unit,” AAPD said in a statement.
Authorities confirmed that no obvious signs of trauma were observed on Mattson’s body, and foul play is not suspected at this stage.
The Washtenaw County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
Following confirmation of Mattson’s death, the University of Michigan’s Division of Public Safety and Security issued a statement expressing grief over the loss.
“It is with deep sadness that we share that Lucas Mattson has been found deceased. Our hearts are with Lucas’s family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read.
Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre Anderson also extended condolences, saying the department stands with the university community during the tragedy.
The incident has renewed attention on the risks posed by extreme winter weather, particularly for students navigating campus during late-night hours.
University officials reiterated that crisis support services remain available to students through Wolverine Wellness, University Health Service, and Counseling and Psychological Services.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing pending medical examiner findings.
