Body of missing George Washington University student found in South Africa

The body of a George Washington University student was found Friday, five days after he was last seen swimming in coastal waters off South Africa, the university said.

The 19-year-old was a junior at George Washington and was originally from Connecticut.

A private helicopter helping in the search spotted the body Friday afternoon about 3 miles from the site of the drowning and local divers recovered the body, police brigadier Prevor Mey said.

Upton’s death was also reported on a GoFundMe page that was raising money for his parents to go to South Africa to help search for their son. He was last seen swimming with his friends on Sunday, August 30, authorities said.

By Monday, Sea Rescue announced “the teenager is missing and he is now presumed to have drowned”. “Others from the group attempted to find him and staff from the resort were called to join the search, but after all, efforts were unsuccessful”.

Nicholas Upton, 19, died near New London, South Africa, according to a statement from the U.S. State Department. “I would ask that you to please be respectful and give them some time to grieve and bring their son home, as I’m sure you will. Continue to keep the whole family in your thoughts and prayers”. “It’s not over until it’s over”, Jim Upton said at the time.

Upton was studying in the country and is from Redding, Conn., and was on the GWU rowing team.

“Our hearts go out to Nick’s family and friends. He touched many during his time at GW, and he will be missed”, the statement reads.