Police searching for a missing University of Lincoln student have tragically discovered a body. The find was made near the Foss Bank body of water, close to The Brayford, on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
Search Concludes with Tragic Discovery
Lincolnshire Police confirmed officers located the body while conducting a targeted search for 20-year-old Connor Calleja. Connor was last seen in the early hours of Sunday, 11 January 2026, near Court 1 on the University of Lincoln campus.
While formal identification is pending, authorities believe the body to be that of the missing student. Connor's family have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers. Police have stated there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
University and Community in Mourning
The University of Lincoln issued an emotional statement on Facebook, expressing profound sadness. "At this very difficult time, our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with all those affected by the loss of one of our students, Connor Calleja, especially family, friends, and those closest to him," the post read.
The university described Connor as a "much-loved member of our community" and acknowledged the shock and grief rippling through staff and students. They urged everyone to look after themselves and promised to share details on support services and ways to pay respects.
Outpouring of Grief and Support Online
The news has prompted a flood of tributes and messages of condolence from across the university community and beyond. Many responses came from parents of other Lincoln students, expressing solidarity with Connor's family.
One person wrote: "Heart breaking my thoughts are with Connors family. My daughter is at Lincoln and lives in halls close by... This is affecting the whole of the university community."
Another parent shared: "This is every parents nightmare and I’m so so sorry that they are having to go through this." Others who have ties to the city and university offered their sincere condolences, highlighting the deep impact of the loss.
Prior to the discovery, Connor's father had made a public appeal on Facebook, asking people to continue looking for his son, who had been on his way home after a night out. The community's worst fears were confirmed with the police update issued at 12.45pm on Tuesday, 13 January.
