UPDATE JULY 5:
Italian police say they have detained a homeless man in the death of a University of Wisconsin student whose body was found in the Tiber River.
Original Story Below:
Family confirmed to News 3 Monday morning the body found in the Tiber river is missing UW student Beau Solomon.
Police confirmed to CBS News Monday that a body was found in the Tiber river near the Marconi bridge, about one mile south of the area where Solomon was last seen. Police told Solomon’s family Monday that he was mugged and thrown into the river.
Solomon, 19, left last week for Italy, family members said. He’s originally from Spring Green.
Brother Jake Solomon said Beau was out at an espresso bar Thursday night with friends for their first night in Rome, but when the group decided to leave he was not there. When he didn’t show up for class the next day, his friends reported it.
Family members said Solomon’s credit cards have been used since he went missing.
Jake described Beau as an athlete who has always been involved in his community and close with his family.
“He’s a social butterfly,” Jake said. “He’s loved by everyone, and he’s the glue that keeps our family together.”
Beau also battled a rare form of cancer as a child, overcoming countless chemotherapy treatments and surgeries.
“He overcame all of that,” Jake said.
Beau had just completed his first year at UW as a personal finance major. He participated in Badger Boys State Camp and grew an affinity for politics, hoping to become a politician some day.
Family members will be flying to Italy to help in the search.
“We’re just going to be so happy to see him and know he’s OK,” Jake said.
UW Communications had issued a statement from Vice Provost and Dean of Students Lori Berquam Sunday.
“We are deeply concerned about Beau and are working with John Cabot University in Rome and American and Italian authorities to assist in any way possible as they seek information on his whereabouts. We ask all Badgers to keep Beau and his family in their thoughts and prayers,” the statement said.
UW officials said all other students studying abroad with Solomon are accounted for.
