Lousiana authorities continued their search for a missing Louisiana State University student on Friday morning, with the assistance of the Cajun Navy and other officials.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Kori Gauthier, 18, disappeared after her car was found in a crash near the Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, at around 1 a.m.
Family members told the outlet that the police didn’t notify them about the crash. They first learned she was missing when Gauthier’s employer called them after she didn’t show up for work Wednesday. The family said they also learned she missed a doctor’s appointment and missed classes.
#MISSINGPERSON: The family of Kori Gauthier is praying for her safe return. She was involved in an accident on the Mississippi River Bridge around 1 a.m. on April 7. Her car is currently in a junk yard, but there's no trace of her. Call authorities if you have info! pic.twitter.com/RRPOxD8xlF
— Kourtney Williams (@kwilliamstv) April 8, 2021
Once the family reached out to law enforcement, they learned Kori’s car was at an impound lot, following the wreck.
“Nobody reached out from the wreck,” Kori’s uncle, Spencer Gauthier, said. “No police, no ambulance, nothing. I don’t know where the ball was dropped.”
The driver who crashed into Gauthier’s car spoke with KATC on Wednesday. He explained he tried to avoid hitting the vehicle but traffic was too heavy and he couldn’t move over in time. The driver said the other car was empty and running, but authorities found Gauthier’s phone and wallet inside the vehicle.
Spencer Gauthier confirmed Friday that his niece has not been found, despite social media rumors.
“A lot of you guys have been asking me how can you help. Getting on the ground, that will help me. I can’t answer every phone call, but if you’re there physically to pass out flyers, to beat the pavement, that’s all I need. Like I said the car, the phone, the wallet that’s all been found. I just haven’t found my niece yet,” Spencer said.
The Cajun Navy spent Friday morning searching via helicopter along the Mississippi River.
Gauthier added that while trying to find Kori, he learned about an argument she had with her boyfriend on Tuesday. He thinks she may have left for her aunt’s house afterward, based on her GPS.
On Thursday, Gauthier announced a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the whereabouts of Kori.
“I’m willing to put my personal money up for my niece,” Spencer Gauthier said. “Money talks. We don’t know know what happened. Her life is worth more than $10,000. Maybe if someone did take her, that $10,000 will bring her back.”
Anyone with information should contact local law enforcement at (225) 578-3231 or (225) 389-2000.
Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Kori Gauthier/Handout]
