A Southern Illinois University student missing since last week has been found dead in Carbondale, authorities said.
The body of Pravin Varughese, a 19-year-old sophomore from Morton Grove, was found Tuesday morning in a wooded area in the 1400 block of East Main Street in the Southern Illinois town.
Varughese was last seen Wednesday night in the 600 block of West College Street at a party. Police said they found his body at about 9:45 a.m. Tuesday after following up on multiple leads.
Authorities said that on the night of his disappearance Varughese accepted a ride home from someone they believe he met at the party. The two apparently had a fight, police said, and Varughese got out of the vehicle and went into the wooded area.
Though the exact cause of death hasn't been determined, police believe low temperatures likely played a role and difficult terrain contributed to Varughese's difficulty in finding his way out of the woods. No foul play is suspected, police said.
"We extend our sincere condolences to Pravin's family and friends," Carbondale Police Chief Jody O'Guinn said.
An SIU spokeswoman said the university community has been informed of Varughese's death, and the school is working on plans to remember him.
About 200 friends and family traveled to Carbondale over the weekend to search for him.
