Introduction to the Incident
Investigators with the Houston Police Department have announced that they do not suspect foul play in the death of a University of Houston student whose body was found in the Brays Bayou. The student, identified as 20-year-old Jade McKissic, had been reported missing on Sunday.
The Investigation
McKissic was last seen at about 1 a.m. on September 11 in the 3700 block of North MacGregor Way. According to the Houston Police Department, she had spent the evening with friends at local bars and left the bar by herself, also leaving her cell phone behind. She then went to a gas station next door to buy a drink. McKissic was last seen leaving the gas station alone and walking toward the Brays Bayou at the corner of MacGregor and Scott Street.
Discovery of the Body
On Monday morning, Houston police recovered McKissic’s body more than 2 miles away near the university’s College of Medicine building. An autopsy revealed no signs of trauma or foul play, and the cause of death is still under investigation. The website for the Harris County medical examiner’s office lists McKissic’s manner and cause of death as "pending."
Tributes and Vigil
A vigil for McKissic is planned at the UH campus on Monday afternoon, according to a post on Instagram. The group Meditation Monday is planning a balloon release in McKissic’s memory at Lynn Eusan Park. Other students and university affiliates shared tributes to McKissic on social media. The university’s chapter of Her Campus, a newsletter focused on college women, shared an Instagram post, writing, "A new addition to our editorial team, she was an exceptional writer with a bright future. … Her bright personality and amazing character are just some of the reasons why she is loved by so many, and we will forever remember her."
Conclusion
The death of Jade McKissic has sent shockwaves through the University of Houston community. As the investigation into her death continues, students and faculty are coming together to remember and honor her memory. McKissic’s passing is a tragic reminder of the importance of looking out for one another and seeking help when needed. The university and its community will continue to support each other during this difficult time.
