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.
A GoFundMe was created to help support Mattson’s family.
University of Michigan President Domenico Grasso released the following message to the community:
Dear Students and Colleagues,
This weekend, we learned of the tragic death of Engineering student Lucas Mattson. The level of grief, sympathy, and concern people are experiencing reflects the empathy of our community.
Please join me in extending our deepest condolences to Lucas’s family, friends, and all who loved him. The College of Engineering has shared information and offered support to Lucas’s classmates and those who knew him well within the college.
Sadly, a community of our size regularly experiences student deaths during each academic year, and their lives are collectively celebrated at an annual memorial service. The University does not typically issue public announcements about student deaths, for many reasons, but most commonly out of respect for the family’s wishes. However, Lucas’s disappearance and the public concern for his safety make this situation different.
In moments like these, misinformation and speculation can spread quickly. Because this did not occur on University property, the Ann Arbor Police Department is leading an investigation that began immediately after Lucas was reported missing, and the University is fully supporting its efforts. At this time, we can share that prior to disappearing, Lucas was attending a party at a fraternity house as a guest; he was neither a member nor a pledge. We must let the investigators complete their work and refrain from speculation until the facts are known.
Although our Division of Student Life offers numerous educational and training opportunities for student organizations to promote student safety during off-campus events, I have also asked our vice president for student life and executive director of public safety and security to retrace the events that occurred this weekend. We want to better understand what transpired and identify possible steps to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
I am grateful for the outpouring of support from so many people worried about Lucas’s welfare, including those who searched for him in extremely difficult weather conditions.
As we mourn Lucas, let’s re-commit to taking care of ourselves and each other. Psychological support is available through Counseling and Psychological Services, Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office, or Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience. Students who need additional assistance can also reach out to the Dean of Students’ Office or the Engineering C.A.R.E. Center.
We are a stronger community when we unite to support our students, friends, and colleagues. We can honor Lucas’s memory by demonstrating the compassion that defines the University of Michigan.
With deep sympathy,
Domenico Grasso, PhD
President
Message from University of Michigan President Domenico Grasso