Body Found On Mpls. Riverbank Identified As 'U' Student

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minneapolis Police are investigating after the body of a University of Minnesota student was found lying on the riverbank, just east of the Stone Arch Bridge.

Authorities say they received a 911 call around 8:45 a.m. Sunday regarding an unresponsive person lying on the ground.

When officers arrived, they found a young adult man lying on the riverbank near the area of 6th Avenue SE and Main Street. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Sunday evening, the University of Minnesota identified the victim as freshman Jacob Anderson, who was studying in the College of Liberal Arts. He had also played lacrosse at Orono High School.

"It's shocking," senior Shan Zong said. "I can't imagine that, hopefully people will try to remember everything they did with him as a friend or family."

Danita Brown Young, Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the University of Minnesota, released a statement in response to the student's death.

"We will be reaching out to the Anderson family to offer University support and resources," Young said. "We are also working closely with Housing and Residential Life, Boynton Health Service and University Counseling & Consulting Services to provide counseling, mental health and other support to Jacob's friends and fellow students at the U. Anyone in need of someone to talk to during this very difficult time is encouraged to visit mentalhealth.umn.edu for more information or go to University Counseling and Consulting Services in 340 Appleby Hall between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday to talk to a counselor."

At this point, foul play is not suspected.

"Whether this comes from drinking and passing out and dying or just being unaware of the weather, that it's a big problem," University of Minnesota graduate student Norman Shamas said.

Minneapolis Police Department Homicide investigators are at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.