The body of a George Washington University student was found Friday, five days after he was last seen swimming in coastal waters off South Africa, the university said.
Nicholas Upton, 19, a junior from Redding, Conn., a member of the Kappa Alpha Order and rowing team at GW, had been on a break from a study-abroad program. He was swimming in the East Cape Province on Sunday, on the country’s “Wild Coast,” at about 10:30 p.m. local time when he disappeared.
Peter Konwerski, vice provost and dean of student affairs at the private university in Washington, told the campus community that the U.S. consulate general in Cape Town informed the school of the discovery of Upton’s body.
“Our hearts go out to Nick’s family and friends,” Konwerski said in a statement. “He touched many during his time at GW, and he will be missed.”
Upton’s rowing teammates and fraternity brothers held a vigil for him this week. There was no immediate word of any plans for a public memorial.
On the group’s Facebook page, the Kappa Alpha Order said it is working with Upton’s family on plans to honor him and keep his memory alive.
“Although we are saddened by this great loss, we are thankful for Nick’s life and his work for Alpha Nu,” the Kappa Alpha statement said. “We are also thankful for your help and support in the search for Nick over the past 5 days.”
