Tears flow at vigil for missing UNF student found dead

Hundreds gather at center of campus to remember George Louissaint Jr.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hundreds of people gathered at the center of the University of North Florida campus Monday night for a vigil to remember a 20-year-old student whose body was found nearly a week after he was reported missing.

Tears were flowing as candles were lit and balloons were released in memory of George Louissaint Jr., who was described as a funny guy with a lot of friends.

The vigil was held in the Osprey Plaza at the Student Union and attended by Louissaint's friends as well as people who did not know the young man but were touched by his story. 

"We're just heartbroken. It's a shock. It's a big loss for UNF, the Ospreys," said Danielle Vallez, a UNF student.

Louissaint was reported missing after he was last seen leaving a party at the Osprey Flats Apartments in the early-morning hours of Feb. 12 and a campuswide search for him lasted nearly a week.

On Saturday, his body was found in a pond at the District on Kernan apartments. 

The loss of the young man, who many hoped would be found alive, has devastated the student body.

"It's been an emotional week. But everyone's coming together. Staff has done a wonderful job of pulling people together," said Michael Harris, a UNF faculty member. 

Harris told News4Jax that it was no surprise that a large crowd showed up at Monday's vigil to remember Louissaint. 

"The impact on our students at UNF, with it being a smaller campus, it is intimate. So when anything happens with one student, it affects everyone," Harris said. 

Adrianna Gautam was one of the many students who attended the service. Though she was not friends with Louissaint, she said she now feels as if she knew him. 

"(I'm) just supporting George. I dind't know him, but as a UNF student, I think it's important to show your support," Gautam said. "It's been very sad, honestly. This is my second semester here. It's heartbreaking, a big impact on campus." 

Though many people at the vigil said they were sad that it didn't end differently, they hope the discovery of Louissaint's body brought closure to his family.

His family members said they spoke with him shortly before he disappeared, and there hadn't appeared to have been anything wrong.

An autopsy will be performed to determine how Louissaint died and the investigation into his death is ongoing, according to police.

UNF police Chief Frank Mackesy said the campus has arranged for grief counselors to be available for students in the Student Union Center in Building 58 East, Room 1100.


About the Author:

Scott is a multi-Emmy Award Winning Anchor and Reporter, who also hosts the “Going Ringside With The Local Station” Podcast. Scott has been a journalist for 25 years, covering stories including six presidential elections, multiple space shuttle launches and dozens of high-profile murder trials.