Northwestern student's body found in harbor

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WILMETTE, Ill., Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The body of missing Northwestern University student Harsha Maddula was found floating in suburban Chicago's Wilmette Harbor, school officials said.

Maddula, 18, described by relatives as a straight-A pre-med student, disappeared after attending an off-campus party in Evanston, Ill., early Saturday. His body was found floating between two boats in the harbor at 7 p.m. Thursday, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. His wallet, student ID card and cellphone were found in his pocket.

"A body that has been recovered from the water in Wilmette Harbor earlier tonight appears to be that of a missing Northwestern University student, Harsha Maddula," Alan Cubbage, a Northwestern University spokesman, said at a news conference.

There were no signs of foul play.

The search focused on the harbor in the neighboring village of Wilmette, Ill., where Maddula's cellphone last sent a signal.

The harbor is about 2 miles north of Maddula's dormitory, the Public Affairs Residential College on Chicago Avenue.

Family described Harsha, a diabetic, as studious and unlikely to visit an outdoor area like the harbor, the Chicago Tribune said. His family had offered $25,000 for information on his disappearance.