ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Questions continue to surround the death of a 19-year-old University of Michigan student who was found dead over the weekend, just blocks from where he was last seen, after walking alone during extremely cold temperatures.
Lucas Mattson, a University of Michigan student from Alaska, was found dead Saturday afternoon in a residential neighborhood near campus.
Ann Arbor police said he was last seen around 1 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23.
Neighbors told Local 4 Mattson was leaving a party at the Delta Chi fraternity house on Hill Street and began walking alone toward Oxford Street.
Neighbors said he was not wearing a coat — just a T-shirt.
“I feel like this loss is tragic and it was preventable,” said a neighbor who lives near where Mattson’s body was found.
According to Ann Arbor police, Mattson was reported missing up to 15 hours after he was last seen.
A coordinated search involving Ann Arbor police, the University of Michigan Police Department, and the university’s drone unit began shortly afterward.
“I feel like somebody should have found him… before he passed away,” said Genesis Padilla, a University of Michigan student.
Mattson’s body was found on Cambridge Road at approximately 12:05 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, following a nearly 20-hour search in extremely frigid conditions. The location was only a couple of blocks from where he was last seen.
“I think the buddy system should’ve definitely been used,” said Padilla. “I know when I go out, me and my roommate always go out together. And I think in that case, I think that would have been better than being found, well, alone.”
Those who live where Mattson’s body was found said the tragedy has shaken the community and raised concerns about student safety – not just during winter weather.
“I hope undergraduates will look out for each other -- keep track of each other, because they are vulnerable,” a neighbor said.
The University of Michigan said it is offering crisis support services through Wolverine Wellness, University Health Service, and Counseling and Psychological Services as students, faculty, and staff mourn the loss.
Those who knew Mattson described him on social media as “smart, friendly, and kind,” as others sent messages to his family:
“I’m so sorry that a person so young and with so much life ahead of him is now gone. I’m so sorry for them and their loss,” a neighbor said.
Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre Anderson and the Ann Arbor Police Department also extended “its deepest condolences” to Mattson’s family and loved ones, as well as “the entire University of Michigan community.”
Police said there were no obvious signs of trauma, and foul play is not suspected.
An autopsy is underway and is expected to take 60 to 90 days to complete.