Body of Missing Redding College Student Found in South Africa

The body of George Washington University student and Redding resident Nick Upton, 19 was found today, five days after he went missing after going swimming off the coast of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa.

The United States Consulate General of Cape Town notified the university that his body was found today.

‘Our hearts go out to Nick’s family and friends. He touched many during his time at GW, and he will be missed,” the University said in a statement.

Support is being offered to the students and faculty affected by the tragedy.

Upton, a junior at GWU, went missing Aug. 30 around 10:30 p.m. local time in South Africa where he was part of a study abroad program. GWU was notified of the incident by their study abroad partner in Cape Town.

Six students from a group of 11 went swimming on Sunday when the male student went missing, authorities in South Africa said. Unfavorable weather conditions and the remote location of the area led to first responders arriving at the scene only around 10 a.m. Aug. 31.

Despite an extensive search effort, the rescue was called off and Upton was presumed to have drowned. Authorities said an ongoing search operation would continue.

Upton’s parents flew to South Africa on Sept. 2. A fundraising campaign was started to help the family with travel costs and possible search and rescue costs.

While at GWU, Upton was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity and a member of the rowing team. His brothers held a vigil for him Sept. 2.

“We’re here for you Nick. Fratres Usque Ad Aram Fidelis,” the fraternity wrote on their Facebook page on Aug. 31 when the news of Upton going missing reached the country. The fraternity also posted an emotional photo that showed their members standing cross armed and looking at the ground.

“Rescuers found the body of our brother, Nicholas Upton, a few hours ago,” the Fraternity wrote on their Facebook page today. “Although we are saddened by this great loss, we are thankful for Nick’s life and his work for Alpha Nu. We are also thankful for your help and support in the search for Nick over the past five days. We will be working together with Nick’s family on plans to honor Nick and keep his memory alive.”

Upton was a graduate of Joel Barlow High School in Redding and interned for Sen. Richard Blumenthal. He was a student in GW’s Elliott School of International Affairs. 

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article identified Upton as a Weston resident. The mistake has since been corrected. Patch regrets the error.

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Image via GWU