Missing Texas student, 22, is found dead on Christmas Eve after police launched a desperate eight-day search for him: his family was traveling to his graduation when he disappeared
- Tanner Hoang, 22, disappeared on December 16 just hours before his graduation
- The mechanical engineering student was planning to meet his family for lunch
- Relatives became concerned when they could not reach him on his phone
- His body was discovered near where his car was found abandoned
A Texas university student was found dead on Christmas Eve after a desperate eight-day search – his family was traveling to his graduation when he disappeared.
Tanner Hoang, 22, an A&M student studying mechanical engineering, was spotted in Austin near where his vehicle was found abandoned on Thursday.
He was reported missing by his devastated family on December 16 after turning off his phone around 8am – with relatives confirming there was “no suspicion of a crime” in his death.
Amber Alert Network Brazos Valley issued an alert for the college student on December 18 following his disappearance.
Tanner Hoang, 22, was found dead on Christmas Eve after a desperate eight-day search when he failed to show up for a family dinner
His uncle Quan Hoang paid tribute to his nephew, saying the family’s ears were broken by his death
Authorities confirmed he was last seen around 11am in the 900 block of Colgate Drive in College Station and getting gas in Caldwell around noon.
His family said they were on their way to his graduation the weekend he went missing and should have met him for lunch.
Hoang’s uncle Quan Hoang paid tribute to his nephew, saying, “Tanner, we will always miss and love you, my nephew and brother in Christ.
“Thank you for so many wonderful and joyful memories you have given us. Our hearts are broken, but we have the surest hope in Christ that you are fully healed and restored in His loving arms.
“We love you so much and look forward to being reunited with you in His presence.”
Authorities shared pictures of the student, as well as his silver Lexus, which he was last seen driving, and he was found near the vehicle.
Authorities confirmed Tanner (left) was last seen around 11 a.m. in the 900 block of Colgate Drive in College Station, getting gas in Caldwell around noon
He was reported missing by his devastated family on December 16 after turning off his phone around 8am – with relatives confirming there was “no suspicion of a crime” in his death
Authorities shared pictures of the student, as well as his silver Lexus, which he was last seen driving, and he was found near the vehicle
Officials say his body was found near Pennybacker Bridge on Saturday afternoon, with authorities calling off a search on Christmas Eve.
His roommate Luke added: “The unfortunate reality is that a person who can appear so happy and content on the outside can still handle so much that nobody knows about.
“We had absolutely no idea what he was going through and no reason to think anything was going on.
“Help is all around you and the hardest part is asking for it.
“I would give anything to have the chance to sit down with Tanner and find a way to help him through whatever is going on, no matter what it is.”