Mississippi State University Police Department confirms that our student, Nicholas Smith, has been found alive and well in Columbus. The university is grateful to the Columbus Police Department and area law enforcement agencies for their assistance and support. Detective Bo Shelton of the MSU PD did an excellent job managing the investigation. We are also grateful to the regional news media for their help in giving the public the information they needed to assist us. The student has been reunited with his family and MSU asks that the media and public respect this family’s privacy at this time. MSU will have no additional comment on this matter at this time.

Sid Salter, Chief Communications Officer

Mississippi State University