Forensic officials in Rhode Island on Thursday confirmed that the body found in the Providence River was that of Indian-American student Sunil Tripathi, who has been missing since mid-March.
“A forensic dental examination confirmed the identification (of Tripathi),” said Dara Chadwick, a spokesperson for the State Health Department.
“The cause of death is pending further studies, which could take several months,” she was quoted as saying by the Providence Journal newspaper.
No signs of trauma were initially found, the police said.
Tripathi, a Brown University student, was last seen on March 16. He left his cell phone, ID and wallet in his room, where he was last seen by his roommate.
On Wednesday, >Rhode Island police pulled a man’s body from the Providence River and suspected it to be of Tripathi.
Meanwhile, a grief stricken Tripathi family on Thursday expressed “incredible gratitude” to all those who helped in their search operation over the past month.
“On April 23, our beloved Sunil was discovered in the waters off India Point Park in Providence, Rhode Island,” the Tripathi family said in a statement.
“As we carry indescribable grief, we also feel incredible gratitude. To each one of you — from our hometown to many distant lands — we extend our thanks for the words of encouragement, for your thoughts, for your hands, for your prayers, and for the love you have so generously shared,” the family said.
