The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) is investigating the disappearance of two University of South Florida doctoral students who were last seen April 16 in Tampa.
Zamil Limon, 27, and Nahida S. Bristy, 27, were reported missing after a family friend contacted the University of South Florida Police Department on April 17 at 4:50 p.m. when they were unable to reach either individual.
Limon, a doctoral student studying geography, was last seen at about 9 a.m. at his residence on Avalon Heights Boulevard, according to a social media post from USF police.
Bristy, a doctoral student in chemical engineering, was last seen around 10 a.m. at the NES Building on USF’s Tampa campus, the post said.
WFLA news said Limon's friends said they are concerned because he is a dedicated and responsible student.
“He’s very punctual and very serious about his academic life,” said Md Rakibuzzaman, a close friend, in an interview with WFLA. “It doesn’t feel normal.”
Larry McKinnon, a public information officer for USF, said the students were off campus and outside university jurisdiction when they were reported missing.
“We will continue to support the investigation in a secondary role and coordinate closely with HCSO,” McKinnon said.
Authorities ask anyone with information about Limon or Bristy’s whereabouts to contact USF police at 813-974-2628.
This investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.