The community of the University of Michigan is currently grieving the loss of 19-year-old sophomore Lucas Mattson, as expressed by the institution's interim president, Domenico Grasso. In a heartfelt message shared with the university on January 26, Grasso emphasized the profound sorrow and compassion felt by many, stating, "The level of grief, sympathy, and concern people are experiencing reflects the empathy of our community. Please join me in extending our deepest condolences to Lucas’s family, friends, and all who loved him."
Tragically, Mattson's body was discovered in the 1900 Block of Cambridge Road on Saturday, January 24. He had last been seen around 1 a.m. on Friday, January 23, wandering alone without a coat near the 1700 block of Hill Street. His family reported him missing at 4:30 p.m. that same Friday. According to Grasso, prior to his disappearance, Mattson had attended a fraternity party as a guest, clarifying that he was not affiliated with the fraternity in any official capacity.
In response to this distressing situation, both the Ann Arbor Police Department and the University of Michigan's Division of Public Safety and Security launched a comprehensive 20-hour search for Mattson, despite challenging cold weather conditions. An autopsy will be conducted by the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death.
Grasso acknowledged that it is not typical for the university to make public announcements regarding student deaths, often out of respect for the family’s wishes. However, due to the public interest surrounding Mattson's disappearance, officials felt it necessary to communicate the news. "In moments like these, misinformation and speculation can spread quickly," he noted. "Because this did not occur on University property, the Ann Arbor Police Department is leading an investigation that began immediately after Lucas was reported missing, and the University is fully supporting its efforts."
He urged the community to allow investigators to complete their work and cautioned against public speculation until more facts are established. Moreover, Grasso has requested Martino Harmon, the university's vice president for student life, and Richard Arnold, the interim executive director of public safety and security, to provide a detailed account of the events that transpired over the weekend.
Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support shown by those concerned about Mattson's welfare, particularly those who participated in the search under harsh weather, Grasso stated, "We want to better understand what transpired and identify possible steps to help prevent similar tragedies in the future."
For members of the University of Michigan community seeking psychological support, resources are available through Counseling and Psychological Services, the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office, and the Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience. Students in need of additional assistance may contact the Dean of Students’ Office or the Engineering C.A.R.E. Center.
"We are a stronger community when we unite to support our students, friends, and colleagues," Grasso concluded. "We can honor Lucas’s memory by demonstrating the compassion that defines the University of Michigan."
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