A memorial video for Gerald Smith. R.I.P

Vincennes - The week-long search for missing Indiana State senior Gerald Smith ended in the Wabash River in a Vincennes park Friday night.

"The patrons at Kimmell Park advised that they had found what they believed to be a body," said a member of the Vincennes Police Department.

A few hours later, police confirmed that the body belonged to Smith.

"They had removed positive identification from the body and at that time were able to confirm that this was in fact Gerald," said ISU Public Safety Director Bill Mercier.

Vincennes is about 50 miles downstream from Terre Haute. State conservation officers had been searching the Wabash River in the Terre Haute area this week.

Smith was set to graduate Saturday with a degree in insurance and risk management. His family said he had already accepted a job.

"We know that tomorrow's commencement ceremonies will be bittersweet for those that knew Gerald well," added Tara Singer, ISU's director of Media Relations.

Police and ISU students spent this past week searching for Smith on and around campus, hanging up more than a thousand fliers with his picture on them.

"It's been very sad for all of us and we are just so sad for his family," said Singer.

"On behalf of Indiana State University, Cheri and I offer our deepest sympathies to Robin, Billy and all of Gerald's family and friends," ISU President Daniel J. Bradley said in a statement on the school's website. "We are proud of the way the university came together during the past week to search for Gerald."

According to investigators, Smith left a bar near campus early last Friday morning after celebrating the completion of a class project. Police were told Smith didn't usually drink a lot, but this time he did, and a bouncer asked him to leave.

Police say they heard from a witness earlier this week that a man matching Smith's description was seen talking to a man and a woman in a car between 1:30 and 1:45 a.m. last Friday, but they parted ways a short time later.

So far, police have said they don't believe Smith was the victim of foul play. An autopsy is scheduled for Saturday morning.

Later that afternoon, Smith will be remembered with a moment of silence at what would have been his college graduation day.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• gerald
• smith
• chris
• pirillo
• death
• missing

[dreamkeeper215]

Im sorry to here about your son I remember him from I.S.U I ust to see him on my floor all the time I thought he lived there he was kind man and ill miss his smile. I lost my granddaughter 61/2 yrs ago and miss her very much I cant commpletly understand but its heartlike just ripped heart out of chest to not have them anymore IM sorry dident say something sooner but just found this post.

[liin2u]

My name is Robin. I am Gerald's mother. I just wanted to thank whoever put this video up. It is so Beautiful. Thank all of you for you kindness, thoughts and prayers. You don't know how much this means to me.

[ou81269sty]

what a loos to the world. we all miss u. all my LOVE TO YOU and your FAMILEY

[ou81269sty]

I did know him as a young man! i worked with his father he passed away a few years back! they both will be missed. GOD SPEED RIP LOVE ALWAYS THE Pope familey

[johnlouisville]

I randomly found this...My deepest sympathies to the family

[LorreesWorld]

R.I.P.

[WorldOfMusicCraft]

RIP From New Zealand

[infantryman150]

I never knew this young man. He seemed to have a lot going for him. He was bright, and had many friends. I live in the town where Gerald was located. It was a tragedy , and seemed like he touched many lives. My heart and prays go out to his family and friends.

[CandiceJarrett]

I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Gerald's family and friends. :'( Candice