A 21-year-old college student from Missouri who went missing last week has been discovered dead in Illinois, authorities said.
The St. Peters (Mo.) Police Department has previously issued a missing persons bulletin for Melissa Oelke of St. Peters.
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Authorities said Oelke left her home on Thursday, March 26, about 7:30 a.m. local time. They said that the car she was driving was later discovered abandoned in St. Jacob, Illinois.
Police reported that Oelke was last seen wearing an olive-green hooded sweatshirt, denim trousers, and black athletic shoes with white soles. She may also have been wearing a purse made from denim jeans.
“Melissa has several medical conditions that require attention, and there is concern for her well-being,” stated the St. Peters Police Department report.
On Saturday, March 28, authorities announced the discovery of Oelke’s body in Madison County, Illinois, the same county where they found the automobile.
“This remains an active investigation,” the department said, “but we do not believe there is a threat to the public.”
Melissa attended the College of Creative Studies in Detroit, her father Gerald Oelke told the Belleville News-Democrat.
Gerald stated that his daughter had completed her midterms and appeared worried and that she had decided to prolong her spring vacation. He also assumed Melissa wanted to return to school.
“Please put her family in your thoughts during this trying time.” Thank you to everyone who shared this post and offered prayers,” the St. Peters Police Department said.
Melissa’s mother’s coworker established an internet fundraising campaign in her memory. As of Tuesday, March 31, the campaign had raised over $25,000. The organizer did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s inquiry for comment.
