Search for Brendan Santo: Dive teams trawl Red Cedar river for missing Michigan teen
In order to search for an 18-year-old college student who went missing at Michigan State University last weekend, the Michigan State University Police have arranged dive teams to search the Red Cedar River and blocked off part of Lot 67, which is near Jenison Field House.
MSUPD told 6 News that the lot was being used as a staging area for Michigan State Police marine units. Dive team equipment and an MSUPD Incident Command vehicle was spotted in the lot where the police were prepping to search for Brendan Santo. The missing teen was last seen at the Michigan State University’s campus while he was leaving Yakeley Hall on Friday, October 29. MEAWW previously reported that Santo is not an MSU student but was visiting friends there. Some of the other teens who have gone missing in the recent past include Jelani Day, Morgan Sessions and Alicia Navarro.
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According to the authorities, he may have been walking by the Brody Neighborhood. His vehicle appeared to have been found in the last spot where it was parked, according to the release. "It is possible he intended to walk approximately a half-mile" to the area near the Brody complex, MSU police said. "Brendan was last seen walking on campus and there is no indication he left the East Lansing area."
River made it difficult to search
MISSING PERSON: 18 year-old Brendan Santo. Last seen on 10-29-21 leaving Yakeley Hall. He is not a student and was visiting friends.
— MSU Police and Public Safety (@msupolice) October 31, 2021
5’10”, 160lbs, wearing gray sweatpants, black t-shirt, black baseball hat, and converse shoes.
Any info, contact D/Sgt. Terrill at 517-388-6291. pic.twitter.com/AAgpRYB5el
Police confirmed that the search organized by them was related to Santo, who attends Grand Valley State University and is from Rochester Hills. Inspector with MSU police Chris Rozman revealed that multiple agencies were brought in to help in the search. However, the operation was being made difficult as the area posed a few obstacles. “Some of the challenges in this area have been the thick vegetation, especially with the river that runs through this area as well. It’s one of the most difficult areas for us to clear and that’s why we need more additional resources brought in from the Michigan State Police and that’s what we’re doing today.” Rozman added that he and his team were optimistic that the search could be conducted safely.
Grand Valley State University released a statement in support of the Santo family. They also said that resources were being brought to support friends and roommates on campus. “Officials from GVSU and MSU have been in continual contact beginning this weekend. President Mantella has spoken to the Santo family to express the university’s concern and care, and our housing and counseling staffs have been working with Brendan’s roommates and friends. The Grand Valley Police Department and the Michigan State Police are remaining in close touch as the search continues. This is obviously a stressful time, and our hearts are with those closest to Brendan," the statement said.
Special units leave no stone unturned
Special units have been brought in from the Michigan State Police and Ingham County Sheriff’s Office to assist with the search. So far, they have conducted searches on foot, by helicopter, drone, and by boat. The investigative process included interviewing anyone who last had contact with Santo. Authorities viewed surveillance cameras, reviewing cellular, smartphone, and GPS data to find out the list of people Santo interacted with.
Friends from Metro Detroit also organized a carpool to travel to MSU and join the search. “Please pray even if you usually don’t pray,” Michael Alter, whose son played hockey with Santo in the area, told Detroit News. Santo is described as 5-foot-10, 160 pounds, last seen wearing gray sweatpants, a black T-shirt, a black baseball hat, and white Converse high-top shoes. If anyone has any information regarding the missing teen, they are requested to contact Detective Sergeant James Terrill at 517-388-6291 or TerrillJ@police.msu.edu.