A 21-year-old Missouri college student who was reported missing last week has been found dead in Illinois after authorities traced her last known movements to an abandoned vehicle.
Oelke, of St. Peters, Missouri, had been the subject of a missing persons alert after she left her home around 7:30 a.m. on March 26. Authorities said the vehicle she had been driving was later found abandoned in St. Jacob, Illinois, prompting a multi-agency search effort.
Police said Oelke was last seen wearing an olive-green hooded sweatshirt, denim jeans, and black athletic shoes with white soles. The alert also noted that she had several medical conditions requiring attention, raising concerns about her well-being as the search intensified.
"Melissa has several medical conditions that require attention, and there is concern for her well‑being," the police department said.
College Student Appeared Stressed
Oelke was a student at the College of Creative Studies in Detroit, where she had recently completed midterms. Her father said she appeared stressed and decided to extend her spring break to focus on her mental health, adding that she may have been planning to return to school.In its public statement, the police department reiterated that the case remains active, writing, “We ask that you keep her family in your thoughts during this difficult time. Thank you to everyone who shared this post and offered your prayers.”
“I serve on the school board with Sarah, campaigned with her last spring, and she has become a dear friend. I know so many people in her community want to do something to show their support and offer their love. This is one avenue for that,” the colleague wrote.
The campaign has raised more than $25,000.