Brendan Santo Vanished Without A Trace From Michigan State University Campus
Brendan Santo, a freshman at Grand Valley State University, was visiting friends for the Michigan State vs. University Of Michigan football game. He was last seen on October 29, 2021.
Michigan State University Police and Public Safety
UPDATE 03/14/2022
On Jan. 21, 2022, Brendan Santo's body was found in the Red Cedar River. According to Fox 2 Detroit, the body was discovered about one and half miles from where Santo was last seen.
According to the autopsy report, Santo died from an accidental drowning.
ORIGINAL 01/13/2022
Brendan Santo, 18, stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, gray sweatpants, black Red Wings baseball hat, and white Converse shoes. Santo was last seen leaving Michigan State University's Yakeley Hall. Please contact the Michigan State University tip line with any information on this case: 844-99-MSUPD or email: tips@police.msu.edu
The search to find missing Grand Valley State University freshman Brendan Santo continues. Investigators said Santo disappeared before midnight on October 29, 2021. It was a big weekend, not only for Halloween, but the University of Michigan football game was also on the schedule. Santo was in town visiting friends.
Investigators said Santo was last seen walking away from Michigan State University's Yakeley Hall. Although he was not a student at the university, he may have been walking to the nearby neighborhood of Brody , authorities believe. WILX reports, "The search for him has been hindered by a non-functioning surveillance camera."
Since Santo's disappearance, his friends, family, strangers, and loved ones have gone above and beyond to find the 18-year-old. School friends organized a charity ice hockey event, traveled to participate in searches to find Santo, created a Facebook and group page, and much more.
Santo's father Brad spoke out on social media about his son's case, "Our family has conducted multiple civilian searches of the Michigan State University campus with an estimated overall total of 800+ volunteers. We found no sign of Brendan or his belongings. Civilians and students continue to search the campus on a daily basis and have been posting flyers all over campus and beyond."
Brad Santo continued, "Brendan would not leave on his own accord. He is a good kid with a kind heart and a zest for life. Brendan is an intelligent athletic young man who has many friends and is close with family. He would go out of his way to help someone in need. We need humans like this in the world."
Michigan State University Police and Public Safety said on their Facebook page Santo's car was located where he last parked it prior to him vanishing. The car has since been turned over to his family, they added. As for the keys Santo had that night, he was using a friend's keys. Authorities released a photo of what those keys may have looked like.
According to reports, investigators have received hundreds of tips to date. The Lansing State Journal said although some of the information received have been "suggestions" rather than specific information on where to find the missing student, authorities still "appreciate the support and information shared.”
As for Michigan State University, since Santo's disappearance, a safety app for students was launched. According to WILX the SafeMSU app is, "Part of the university taking new initiatives to expand its safety resources. It is aimed at making things more easily accessible and was designed with input from students."
Brendan Santo stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, gray sweatpants, black Red Wings baseball hat, and white Converse shoes. Authorities also released photos of a necklace Brendan may have been wearing on the night he vanished. In addition, they are looking for a phone case, keys, and shoes.
Please contact the Michigan State University tip line with any information on this case: 844-99-MSUPD or email: tips@police.msu.edu
Continue following updates on the Bring Brendan Santo Facebook page and in the Facebook group.
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