Police: Body of missing Kentucky student found after weekslong search

The body of a Northern Kentucky University student who had been missing for nearly a month was found in a wooded area near the campus, authorities said May 24. Officials indicated they did not suspect foul play.

Murry Foust, 22, was last seen April 27 in the Latonia neighborhood of Covington, Kentucky, just south of Cincinnati, according to the Covington Police Department. Police had issued an alert April 30 and requested the public's help in finding Foust.

Foust's disappearance prompted local authorities to launch an investigation and a search. The volunteer-based organization EquuSearch Midwest, Boone County Water Rescue, the Wilder Police Department and Northern Kentucky University assisted the Covington Police Department in the investigation, police said.

Privately organized search groups, which consisted of Foust's friends, relatives and community members, also searched independently, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer, part of the USA TODAY Network.

In a statement May 24, the Covington Police Department said Foust's body was found by an independently organized search group in the nearby city of Wilder, Kentucky. Investigators from the Covington Police Department were working with the Wilder Police Department and the Campbell County Coroner’s Office to examine the scene.

Police said there were no indications of foul play. The coroner's office will determine the cause and manner of death. Police said no additional details would be released until that process is completed.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the Foust family and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," the Covington Police Department said. "While we are saddened by this loss, we hope this development can provide the family with some answers and a measure of closure."

Authorities urged the public to allow investigators to continue their work and noted that the Foust family has requested "privacy as they grieve."

Local authorities and independent groups launched weekslong search for missing student

At the time of Foust's disappearance, police sought the public’s help after obtaining surveillance images showing what the student was wearing before disappearing. 

"We are deeply concerned and our thoughts are with their family, friends and all those impacted. The Covington Police Department is leading the investigation, and we are fully cooperating and supporting their efforts," Northern Kentucky University spokesperson Corey Best said in a statement at the time.

Charlie King, one of Foust’s friends, said in a Facebook post that Foust had been on the way to campus from Over-the-Rhine, a neighborhood just north of downtown Cincinnati, on the evening of April 27.

"Murry never made it to class and has been missing ever since," King said in the post, adding that Foust's car was found a block from their apartment in the Latonia neighborhood. Foust's bag was found at Northern Kentucky University, and police later found the student's cellphone, King said.

Friends, family and members of the local community had rallied online and in person to share information, distribute images and organize their own searches.

Foust was set to graduate from Northern Kentucky University with a bachelor's degree in fine arts May 9, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported. King said Foust was transgender man who was early in the process of transitioning, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Family, friends, Northern Kentucky University community honor Murry Foust

Foust’s disappearance cast a shadow over Northern Kentucky University's spring commencement ceremony earlier in May, where a moment of silence was observed.

“Murry, we hope to see you soon so we can hand you the diploma you have earned,” Northern Kentucky University Provost Diana McGill said at the ceremony before graduates walked across the stage.

Bee Wang, 25, told the Cincinnati Enquirer he met Foust at the end of last summer at a Trans-Masc Cincy event and described them as a "light to the community." After the event, the two sat in Wang's car talking for hours, and Wang told Foust about wanting to carve a queer future in religion, he said.

Foust had been attending a Spanish-speaking church at the time and had lots of questions, Wang said. The two had made plans to do drag and art together when they were free from their studies, but the last time they saw each other was at Foust's senior art exhibit.

“It was really cool to find another queer person who was open and wanting to talk deeply about spirituality with me,” Wang said.

After Foust’s body was discovered, their family thanked the local community for its support "through this difficult time."

"While our hearts are broken and this is not the outcome we were hoping for, we can only pray that finding them provides closure and comfort to everyone who is hurting," the family said May 25 in a statement posted on a Facebook page dedicated to the search.

The family said it was establishing an art scholarship fund to honor Foust's "love of art" and that any donations or proceeds from the sale of Foust's work will be used to support art students in the community.

Contributing: Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer