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Illinois couple who went missing on the same day tragically found dead weeks apart

Daniel Sotelo, 26, and his girlfriend Natally Brookson, 22, from the University of Illinois Chicago went missing on April 30

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Two students who went missing last month, were tragically found dead as authorities recovered and identified a second body in Lake Michigan.

Daniel Sotelo, 26, and his girlfriend Natally Brookson, 22, from the University of Illinois Chicago went missing on April 30. Both have now been found dead as the Cook County medical examiner confirmed on Saturday, May 28, that it was Sotelo's remains that were pulled out of Lake Michigan near Wilmette on May 22. Brookson's body had already been found at Bryn Mawr just weeks before on May 2.

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As mentioned, the pair mysteriously disappeared at the end of last month. Brookson was last seen leaving work at Friedman Place, while Sotelo was spotted at the Roosevelt Red Line stop near Roosevelt Road and State Street. He was dropped off there by his roommate, whom he told he was heading up north. Concerned friends and family members alerted the authorities after being unable to contact the pair.

According to Fox 32, Sotelo never turned up for his graduation ceremony, which his sister Jennifer said was completely out of character for him, especially considering he had been just days away from graduating with a master's degree in Organic Chemistry at UIC. His devastated sister said that he had been planning his future so he could continue working at an organic farm in Naperville.

Jennifer posted an emotional statement on Facebook on behalf of the Sotelo family after his body was identified. "It is with heavy hearts that we share that Daniel has been found and is no longer with us," she wrote. "My family and I were blessed to have had Danny for the short time that we did. He was an absolute light for us all. His kindness was reflected in his eyes, and his generosity was conveyed in the way he took care of others. His smile had the ability to warm the heart of anyone that came across it. We are fortunate to have witnessed it as many times as we did." She added, "Losing him is like losing the color from our world. As heartbroken as we are, we are so grateful for the light that he provided us for the past 26 years. We hope and pray that his soul rests in peace."

Meanwhile, Brookson was an honors student studying psychology at UIC and had previously attended the Roosevelt High School. Her friends and family members set up a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her funeral expenses, with many people paying tribute to the "incredibly talented" 22-year-old.

"She was selfless, loving, and incredibly talented. I was lucky to have such a supportive, and caring friend like her," a person wrote.

"Natally is one of the sweetest and kindest people I’ve ever met. I wish she didn’t have to go through this, she doesn’t deserve it, even a tiny bit," another offered.

"Nat was one of the kindest and most generous people I’ve met. She was charismatic and funny. She was always a joy to be around and her passing is truly the world’s greatest loss. She will be missed dearly. We love you, Nat," someone else added.

"Her kindness, generosity, and joy will live in everybody’s hearts forever. We will miss you, Natally," another commented.

The cause and manner of Brookson's death are still pending after an initial autopsy report came back inconclusive.