A body found in Lake Michigan Sunday morning has been identified as that of Communication freshman Trevor Boehm, officials said.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's office notified Northwestern early Monday evening. Al Cubbage, vice president for university relations, released a statement shortly afterward.
"Our hearts go out to Trevor's family and our thoughts are with them at this time," said University President Henry Bienen in the statement. "The death of one of our students affects the entire Northwestern community. We join the Boehm family in mourning the loss of Trevor."
The body was discovered about seven miles south of NU near Montrose Harbor in the 4500 block of Chicago's North Simonds Drive, police said.
Boehm was reported missing Nov. 9 by his parents, who were visiting for Family Weekend. While investigating the disappearance, University Police discovered Boehm had not used his WildCARD or Marlock key since Nov. 5.
Four days later, police found his jacket, WildCARD, keys and cell phone among the rocks on the Lakefill. The United States Coast Guard conducted an aerial and underwater search of the lake over the next several days.
The body was recovered Sunday morning when Chicago police responded to a call reporting a body in the water.
After graduating from high school in Colorado Springs, Colo., Boehm began his career at NU in Fall Quarter 2007, living on the fifth floor of Willard Residential College, 1865 Sherman Ave., and majoring in theater. According to Cubbage and the Office of the Registrar, he completed his first term last year before leaving NU sometime during Winter Quarter. At the time, he was a freshman board representative for the Purple Crayon Players, an on-campus theater group.
Hundreds of NU students gathered to remember Boehm's life at a Monday night vigil attended by his parents and two sisters. Throughout the evening, students shared fond memories of their classmate and reflected on his life during a candlelight ceremony.
Many of Boehm's close friends and family members have declined to comment in the interest of privacy. Some students who knew Boehm at NU, however, describe him as friendly and energetic.
"He is just such a vibrant person," said Communication junior Sasha Puchalla shortly after the missing person report was released. "He is very caring and compassionate."
Puchalla had known Boehm since attending a conservatory for the performing arts together in Colorado. They remained friends after both enrolled at NU.
"We've been very close for years," she said. "He just really enjoys being around people and has a lot of fun with life in general."
Alyssa Vera Ramos, a Communication sophomore who lived in Willard with Boehm last year, remembers Boehm as approachable and kindhearted.
"He was a really nice kid - really goofy but really sweet," she said.
A memorial service in Boehm's honor will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Alice S. Millar Chapel and Religious Center, 1870 Sheridan Rd.
a-luevano@northwestern.edu, scw@u.northwestern.edu
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