Missing college freshman Kori Gauthier, who was just 18, was found dead in the Mississippi River. Kori was first reported missing on April 7. Kori, who attended Louisiana State University, was last spotted driving back and forth toward the Mississippi River Bridge on I-10.
This movement was reportedly tracked by the Life360 app, which helps family members stay connected to loved ones.
"They saw that using videos from the surrounding stores, places she passed, she drove towards the bridge and then away and then towards and away about four times prior to actually getting onto the bridge where the accident occurred," said Gabrielle Clements, a fellow LSU student. "So it was more so like a sporadic drive to them, where they weren’t sure what she was doing because she had already texted, I believe, her cousin or her brother that she was on the way to them."
That, alone, is very scary. Some people have wondered whether she was being followed, or if someone else was in the car with her. However, according to BRProud.com, LSU police have concluded, based on "cell phone tracking, video footage, and a timeline of the events related to this case combined with other private evidence" that there was no foul play involved and Kori likely took her own life.
"I was thinking that someone in the car was there or was she being followed by someone and was trying to avoid anything, because I think that it was reported that the vehicle decelerated rapidly at the bridge," said Gabrielle's father Kirby earlier in the investigation. "So those are my concerns, is that it was either was someone in the car, was she having an argument and just got out or was she being followed and as you indicated, someone staged an accident."
Law enforcement had found her car on the bridge after another car hit it. It was running, and her purse and cellphone were still inside. No matter what happened, it seemed as if Kori had vanished quickly from the scene. Kirby noted that the police towed the car without even notifying Kori's family. It's possible that the car contained more clues that could have immediately helped police.
"I mean, if you find a vehicle running with no driver, that says to me, start looking around for the driver right now, because it's a vehicle on the bridge, purse, cell phone," Kirby said. "Why tow? Someone should have been looking that night." Kori's family was reportedly only aware of her complete disappearance after her work called them when she missed a shift.
Once Kori's body was recovered, it was hard for everyone. Kori's family was hoping for a better ending to the mystery, and the LSU community is also heartbroken. The LSU Facebook page helped keep people informed of new developments, so finding her body was likely a tough one to announce.
While people may doubt this story, law enforcement officers early on believed that there was no foul play. "At this time, based on evidence collected during the investigation thus far, law enforcement officials suspect that no criminal activity or foul play took place. Officials continue to keep in close contact with Kori's parents to keep them updated on any developments. We ask everyone to respect their privacy during this time and to keep them in your thoughts," police wrote. However, Kori's family was still puzzled.
Kori's uncle, Spencer Gauthier, has also been very verbal about the case. He was hoping for a better explanation, but he seems glad that they can at least have a little closure. Finding Kori's body means that the family won't continue wondering whether or not she's still out there.
"Not the end result that we were hoping for, but at least we have her body and can start the healing process," he said, officially confirming Kori's death. "This is a tough video to make, but thanks for everything that was done, thanks for all the prayers." He also thanked so many people for caring about his family.
He also added a sidenote for anyone listening. "Life is worth living," he said. "Never give up. As you guys can see, a nation of people came together for my niece. That same nation of people will come to your side and help you throughout things in life if you just simply … say what's going on."
It's important to see how many people have been crushed by this loss. Kori's disappearance went national because people cared about her and loved her. There's a lot of love in this world — there can be days when you don't feel it, but it's still there.
There's still a mystery behind Kori's death. Many people who are depressed end up suffering in silence, so saying she "didn't seem like she was" isn't saying too much. But to be driving around the bridge so much before disappearing for good is very telling.
People still question her car being abandoned on the bridge. Police estimate it had been left on the bridge for about an hour before another driver hit it. There are still so many questions that people have regarding what actually happened that night.
A lot of people put their heart and soul into looking for Kori. There were reportedly 300 volunteers helping search, and that's not counting the activism and information spread online.
The incident is tragic — and Kori left behind many people who thought the world of her. Another interesting yet upsetting detail is the fact that Kori had reportedly just got into a fight with her boyfriend before disappearing. He was the last person they know of who saw her alive.
Unfortunately, there's no way that Kori can come back. Finding her body was a way to bring some peace to her family and friends. But in her honor, it would do everyone well for authorities to fully investigate and come to a complete conclusion about her final moments and actual cause of death.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
