Body found in lake identified as that of West Point cadet

(AP) The body of Nicholas Rossini, a West Point cadet who went missing in December while he was on holiday break from the military school, was found in a lake about three miles from his family's home, authorities said Tuesday.

The Ramsey County medical examiner's office said it appeared the 21-year-old from White Bear Lake had drowned.

"There was no trauma to the body nor any reason to believe this was anything but a tragic accident," the White Bear Police Department said in a statement.

Toxicology results won't be available for at least two weeks.

Authorities found the body in Goose Lake on Monday, while they were searching for Rossini. They couldn't immediately identify the body.

Rossini was an ambitious 2004 graduate of White Bear Lake Area High School and a standout first-year cadet at West Point.

He left the family's house on the morning of Dec. 17 on foot without his wallet, a cell phone, backpack, suitcase or clothes. He also left no note.

Two nights earlier, he had crashed his mother's car into a parked car and was later arrested for drunken driving. His parents believed he was despondent over that incident, and worried about how it would affect his standing at West Point.

Rossini had reported to the Army just after Christmas 2005 with an eye on joining Special Forces, but he performed so well in training that he was invited to West Point.

There, he carried a 3.49 grade-point average.

West Point public affairs specialist Frank DeMaro said Tuesday that Rossini's status with the school will be changed from AWOL to deceased.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Rossini family during this tragic time," West Point officials said in a statement. "Nick was a cadet in good standing with an exemplary record and will be missed. We are all deeply saddened by his death."