University of Michigan Death Raises Questions After Student Left Fraternity Party in T-Shirt

A University of Michigan student has been found dead after vanishing from a fraternity party during sub-zero winter conditions, prompting renewed questions about timeline gaps, extreme weather risks, and late-night campus safety.

Lucas Mattson, a 19-year-old engineering student, was last seen walking alone at around 1:00 a.m. on Friday, 23 January, wearing only a light-coloured T-shirt, blue jeans and white trainers. Temperatures in Ann Arbor dropped as low as 0°F, or minus 18°C, that night. Authorities later confirmed that Mattson's body was found on Saturday evening following an intensive search conducted in hazardous weather conditions.

Last Seen Alone During Sub-Zero Temperatures

According to the University of Michigan's Division of Public Safety and Security, Mattson left a fraternity party without a coat or winter gear despite the extreme cold. Police said he was seen walking away from the area shortly after 1:00 a.m., with no further confirmed sightings.

Mattson was reported missing to the Ann Arbor Police Department approximately 15 hours later. The delay has drawn attention as cold exposure can become life-threatening within a short period when temperatures plunge below freezing.

Intensive Search in Extreme Conditions

A nearly 20-hour search effort began after Mattson was reported missing. Authorities said the operation took place in 'extreme cold conditions' and involved multiple agencies, including Ann Arbor Police, the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security, and the university's police drone unit.

Officers searched wooded areas, campus grounds and nearby neighbourhoods as temperatures remained dangerously low. Mattson's body was discovered on Saturday night, bringing the search to a tragic end.

What Police Have Confirmed

Police said there were no obvious signs of trauma and that foul play is not suspected at this stage. The Washtenaw County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the official cause and manner of death.

Authorities have not released details about where Mattson was found or how long he may have been exposed to the cold. Investigators stressed that medical examiner findings are required before drawing conclusions.

Timeline Questions and Reporting Delay

While police have not suggested any wrongdoing, the gap between Mattson being last seen and the missing person report has raised questions about how quickly concerns were escalated.

In winter conditions like those experienced in Ann Arbor, experts note that exposure without adequate clothing can rapidly lead to hypothermia, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Officials have not stated whether alcohol or other factors were involved, and no such claims have been made by authorities.

University Response and Warning Against Misinformation

University of Michigan interim president Domenico Grasso issued a statement expressing condolences to Mattson's family and friends and urging the campus community to avoid spreading misinformation.

'Please join me in extending our deepest condolences to Lucas's family, friends, and all who loved him,' Grasso said. He added that university officials have been asked to retrace the events of the night Mattson disappeared to better understand what transpired and to identify steps that could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Grasso also thanked those who participated in the search, noting the difficult and dangerous weather conditions under which it was carried out.

Cold Exposure Risks on Campus

Public safety officials routinely warn that exposure to extreme cold without proper clothing can be deadly, particularly during overnight hours when temperatures fall rapidly. Even brief periods outdoors can become dangerous in sub-zero weather.

Mattson's death has deeply affected the University of Michigan community, with students and staff mourning the loss as investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding his final hours.

Originally published on IBTimes UK