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Authorities in Florida are actively searching for two doctoral candidates who mysteriously disappeared almost a week ago.
The University of South Florida Police Department is reaching out to the public for assistance in locating Zamil Limon and Nahida S. Bristy, both aged 27. The two were last seen separately on April 16, and their disappearance has raised significant concern.
“Everyone here is understandably worried, given the unusual nature of this situation,” shared Larry McKinnon, USF Public Safety Public Information Officer, in a conversation with Fox 13. “Such behavior is out of character for them; after all, they are dedicated graduate students.”
What Happened to Zamil Limon and Nahida S. Bristy?
Limon, who is working towards a doctorate in geography, environmental science, and policy, was last observed at his residence in Tampa around 9 a.m. on April 16, according to police reports.
In contrast, Bristy was last seen an hour later at a facility on the USF Tampa campus. She is pursuing a doctorate in chemical engineering.
The two have not been seen since. A family friend, concerned by their sudden silence, reported them missing to campus authorities at approximately 4:50 p.m. on April 17. Both students hail from Bangladesh.
A police spokesman told Fox 13 the two are friends and authorities believe they are together.
Oxygen reached out to police for additional information, but did not receive an immediate response.
McKinnon told the news outlet that there are no signs of foul play or anything “suspicious in nature” at this point in the investigation.
“When we get to this point where we aren’t having success in locating them, then our next best source is the public,” he explained. “That’s where we are at.”
Speaking from Bangladesh, Limon’s brother Zubaer Ahmed told Fox 13 that the family is in “deep pain” from what he described as a “devastating situation.”
“He is a very responsible and punctual person, and that’s why the situation is so unpredictable and unusual to us,” he said, adding he found the disappearance “very suspicious.”
According to Ahmed, Limon and Bristy had been casually discussing plans to marry before they disappeared, but each had been more focused on their studies.
“They talked about having a future together,” he said, “but they are not that serious about it.”
Authorities are asking that anyone with information on the case, contact the University of South Florida Police Department at (813)-974-2628.
