A student from the University of Michigan was discovered deceased on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The discovery was made following a 20-hour search in severe cold conditions. The student had previously vanished from a fraternity party hosted in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Lucas Mattson, a 19-year-old engineering student from Juneau, Alaska, was last observed at 1 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026. He was seen walking alone on the 1700 block of Hill Street, close to Washtenaw Avenue. Despite the freezing 0-degree temperature, Mattson was only dressed in a light-colored T-shirt, blue jeans, and white shoes, having left the Delta Chi fraternity party without a coat.
Mattson, a sophomore, was reported missing at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, around 15 hours after his last known sighting. He was attending the fraternity party as a guest, with no official affiliation as a member or pledge.
A search was swiftly initiated, drawing officers from the Ann Arbor Police Department, the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security, and the University of Michigan Police Department Drone Unit. The search was conducted in hazardous sub-zero temperatures, posing risks to both Mattson and the search teams.
Mattson’s body was found at 12:05 p.m. on Saturday in the 1900 block of Cambridge Road, approximately two blocks from where he was last seen. This location is in a residential area near Washtenaw Avenue, in the vicinity of the university campus.
According to Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre Anderson, there were no evident signs of trauma, and foul play is not currently suspected. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner through an autopsy. The results are anticipated within 60 to 90 days.
The Ann Arbor Police Department, led by Chief Andre Anderson, extended its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased student, as well as the entire University of Michigan community, as stated in their released statement.
This death was one of several casualties resulting from Winter Storm Fern, which caused record-breaking cold temperatures throughout much of the country. Michigan was particularly impacted by the extreme cold weather conditions.
Interim President of the University of Michigan, Domenico Grasso, addressed the campus community, expressing sorrow for the tragedy and cautioning against speculation. “Please join me in extending our deepest condolences to Lucas’s family, friends, and all who loved him,” stated Grasso.
Grasso further urged the community to allow investigators to complete their work before making assumptions about Mattson’s death. He noted that while student deaths are not uncommon in a university of this size, Mattson’s case warranted public comment due to widespread concern for his safety during the search.
The university has now launched an investigation into the events of that night to gain a better understanding of what occurred and identify preventative measures for future incidents.
In response to this tragedy, the university is providing counseling services to students, faculty, and staff through Wolverine Wellness, University Health Service, and Counseling and Psychological Services.
The incident has highlighted the importance of safety during severe weather conditions and the need to watch out for each other during social gatherings. It is generally recommended that students avoid walking alone late at night, especially in harsh weather conditions. Many universities across the country endorse the buddy system, safe ride programs, and emergency phone stations as additional safety measures.
A GoFundMe has been established to assist Mattson’s family during this challenging time, reflecting the sympathy of the university community and beyond.
The loss of Mattson has deeply affected the University of Michigan community. His fellow engineering students, who had shared classes with him, are mourning his loss and remembering him as smart, friendly, and kind.
The fact that Mattson was an Alaskan student studying in Michigan adds another layer of sadness to the tragedy. He had traversed thousands of miles to pursue his education, only to lose his life in circumstances that might have been avoidable. His family now must grapple with their loss while far from home.
This incident serves as a harsh reminder of the potential dangers of winter weather, even for those accustomed to cold climates. While Alaska experiences severe winter conditions, the combination of leaving a social event without adequate clothing in sub-zero temperatures was a dangerous mix.
As the investigation continues and the medical examiner determines the official cause of death, the University of Michigan community mourns together. The loss of Mattson has sparked renewed discussions concerning campus safety, social event host responsibilities, and the crucial importance of companionship during travel, especially in hazardous weather conditions.
