Indiana State University Newsroom

The search for a missing Indiana State University student is concentrating today (May 4) in an area west of the campus along the east bank of the Wabash River.

University Public Safety officers and student volunteers searching for Gerald Smith will conduct a grid search of the area between First and Chestnut streets and the CSX Railroad truss bridge, beginning at 3 p.m. Smith's Facebook page includes a photo of him at that bridge.

Smith, a senior from Avon, was reported missing Friday evening. He was last seen at approximately 1 a.m. Friday (May 1) near Ninth and Chestnut streets.

Searches were conducted during the past few days of the ISU campus, nearby areas of downtown Terre Haute and Fairbanks Park. Public Safety officers and other university staff, Terre Haute police, Indiana Department of Natural Resources conservation officers, Vigo County Sheriff's Department auxiliary deputies and volunteers have all been involved in the search.

"On behalf of the entire Indiana State University community, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who is assisting with the search. Cheri and I are keeping Gerald and his family in our thoughts and prayers, and I appreciate everyone who is providing support to Gerald's parents, relatives and friends," said ISU President Daniel J. Bradley.

"First and foremost, I ask that anyone with information regarding Gerald's disappearance, contact the university's Office of Public Safety at 812-237-5555."

Officials urge anyone not associated with the search to stay away from the river bank. In addition to safety reasons, police say the presence of unauthorized searchers could disrupt clues to Smith's disappearance and thus hamper the investigation.

Counseling is being provided to students in need of support. The Student Counseling Center may be reached at 812-237-3939 or sccmail1@isugw.indstate.edu.

Counseling is also available for faculty and staff via the Human Resources Employee Assistance Program at 812-237-4151 or humanresources@indstate.edu. Anyone facing an immediate crisis is urged to call Vigo County Lifeline at 211 or 812-235-8333.

Media contact and writer: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3743 or dave.taylor@indstate.edu