Missing ASU Student Jack Culolias' Body Believed Found
Missing ASU student Jack Culolias may have been found by authorities after a body was recovered from the Salt River on Sunday. The Arizona State teen had been missing since Nov. 30 after being kicked out of a Tempe bar during a fraternity party.
According to CBS affiliate KPHO, Culolias' mother found a red shoe belonging to her son in a river basin near the Tempe Marketplace. Volunteers scoured the area, and cadaver dogs were brought in, but nothing else was recovered. Yesterday, though, two search teams found a body floating in the river where his shoe was previously found.
When they brought the body out of the water, it was wearing a single red shoe, leading police to the "strong possibility" that the body is Culolias', spokeswoman Molly Enright said in a statement.
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Authorities launched a search after Culolias' mother reported him missing and told them her son had made comments suggesting he was "scared" about his initiation into the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Normally pledges endure a final test known as "hell week" in which they must meet certain standards before becoming full members of the organization.
On Nov. 30, Culolias was attending a fraternity party at the Cadillac Ranch Restaurant and Bar; the 19-year-old was able to gain access thanks to a fake ID but was kicked out of the bar soon after. Friends recalled seeing him get into a cab, but no one knows what happened after that.
Police previously said they had no reason to suspect foul play but have not offered any suggestions as to what may have led to his death. Representatives from Sigma Alpha Epsilon confirmed that Culolias was at the Cadillac Ranch but that there was no hazing involved, according to CBS News.
Now authorities are investigating the Cadillac Ranch in order to learn whether Culolias was served illegally or what employees might remember about the night of his disappearance. His mother, and the surrounding community, have all come together in order to support one another during this time.
"Rest in peace Jack Culolias…everyone's prayers are with your family," Marina Celaya tweeted.
"My heart goes out to Jack Culolias' family and all of his SAE brothers at Arizona State University. RIP," added JD Cook.
