University calls off search for missing St. Thomas student

A prayer for Daniel
Candles burn on an altar to the Virgin Mary in the chapel at the University of St. Thomas, where 18-year-old freshman Daniel Zamlen has been missing for three days.
MPR Photo/Tim Nelson

The University of St. Thomas in St. Paul has called off its ground search for a missing freshman there. School officials say they hope authorities will turn up better clues to the 18-year-old student's whereabouts.

After hundreds of students turned out yesterday to look for missing Eveleth native Daniel Zamlen, the school is now asking students to return to classes and steer clear of the nearby Mississippi River. They want students to stay away from the floodwaters there and to not disturb the area anymore, to make it easier for search dogs to work.

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School spokesman Jim Winterer said St. Thomas is taking other steps, such as finding temporary housing on campus for Zamlen's parents and sister.

"We have set aside a spot in the chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas," Winterer said. "It's our main chapel up there along Cleveland Avenue, and they have a vigil candle there and a photograph of Dan. And there have been some gatherings in residence halls in support of his classmates."

Zamlen was last heard from early Sunday morning, when he told a friend that he was walking along the river near the school and his cell phone suddenly cut off.

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