Missing University of Montana Student Died in Accident, Authorities Say
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iStock/Thinkstock(CUSTER COUNTY, Idaho) — A missing University of Montana student was found dead Thursday, more than a week after he went missing while driving back to school to start his junior year of college.
Lucius Robbi’s body and car were found in Custer County, Idaho, authorities said.
According to the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Robbi died in a one-vehicle accident Aug. 19 after his car traveled down a 60-foot embankment, colliding with several large pine trees.
Search crews on the air and ground initially had trouble finding the accident site due to heavy brush. Additionally, storms in the area obscured the vehicle’s tracks, authorities said.
According to the sheriff’s office, a helicopter crew spotted the tip of one of Robbi’s orange kayaks, leading to the discovery of his car.
The California resident, 21, was a skilled outdoorsman, planning to explore on his return trip to college.
Robbi’s mother, Tina Glaessner, wrote a message Thursday to friends, family and volunteers in a Facebook group established following Robbi’s disappearance.
“The family of Lucius Robbi wants to thank all of the many friends who came together to search for him,” Glaessner wrote. “You were amazing, and the overwhelming outpouring of love and the heroic effort you made to find Lucius created a bond between you and all of us that will connect us forever.”
The Idaho State Police is continuing to investigate the fatal accident.
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