BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- A man found at Lake Griffey Friday night has been identified by the Monroe County Coroner as Joseph Smedley, the IU student who was reported missing earlier this week.
His body was found in the lake just east of Old State Road 37 and about 3.5 miles north of downtown Bloomington. Monroe County Coroner Nicole Meyer said the death is consistent with drowning. There is no foul play suspected.
A statement from Smedley's sister released through spokesperson and attorney Kristopher Fuller said,
"We are heartbroken by this mornings developments and still processing the events of the last six days. Joseph was an intelligent and loving son, brother, and friend.”
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A statement released through LaMar Holliday, a spokesperson for Smedley's mother and father, said,
"We would like to thank the media and public for their continuing coverage of helping us find our beloved Joseph. It's been a difficult week for our family after hearing the developments. We ask that you let our family grieve in private so we can begin the healing process. Your thoughts and prayers would be greatly appreciate."
Smedley, 20, was last seen Sunday around 11:30 p.m. and was reported missing by his sister on Monday.
Smedley's sister received a text message from Smedley's phone on Monday around 4:15 a.m. that said, "Viv i love you. I'm leaving the country. By not telling you why I'm keeping you safe and protected. Please don't try to contact me at this number, it won't work. I'll contact you once I'm set up overseas. Thank you for everything viv, i love you. And im sorry."
A note was also left behind on his bed that read, "Had to leave country. Don't try to contact me via cell it won't work. will contact you once set up overseas."
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Cellphone records indicated Smedley may have been in an area near Old State Highway 37 north of Bloomington around 6:30 a.m. on Monday.
IU police and other law enforcement searched the area, but did not discover any evidence that Smedley has been in that area.
