A 24‑year‑old male University of New Hampshire student named Alexis Garcia was last seen by friends on November 21, 2024, in Durham, New Hampshire. The Durham Police Department initiated a missing person investigation after being asked to conduct a welfare check on November 26. During that check, they discovered his vehicle—a black 2021 Mercedes—parked unoccupied at the Scammell Bridge rest area off Route 4; investigations showed it had likely been there since approximately 8:30 p.m.
on Saturday, November 23.
Alexis is described as standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, with brown hair and brown eyes. He hails from Illinois and was actively involved in the U.S. Navy and the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of New Hampshire.
In the weeks following his disappearance, local law enforcement and search agencies—including the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office, New Hampshire State Police, Fish and Game Department, Marine Patrol, and even a state police helicopter—joined the efforts to locate him. Searches were focused on shorelines and nearby waterways like Great Bay, reflecting the concern for his safety and hopes of discovering clues in challenging terrain.
Sadly, nearly six months later, in late May 2025, the body of Alexis Garcia was discovered near the shoreline of Little Bay in Newington, New Hampshire. A passerby reported finding a body, and when Durham police responded—just before 3:30 p.m. on that Friday—the evidence found alongside the remains indicated they were Alexis’s. An autopsy performed by the state medical examiner’s office on the following Sunday yielded a positive identification. Authorities confirmed that there was no suspicion of foul play involved in his death, and consequently, the investigation was officially closed.
Alexis’s passing is profoundly tragic. He was a young man with ambitions, serving in ROTC and connected to the Navy—someone whose absence was deeply felt by friends, classmates, and family. University leaders conveyed heartfelt sorrow. In the words of UNH’s vice president for student life, Kenneth Holmes: “This loss is heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with Alex’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone who knew and cared for him. He was a valued member of our community and will be deeply missed”.
This synopsis seeks to honor Alexis’s memory by presenting the facts of his disappearance and recovery with sensitivity and respect.Last Seen: Nov 21, 2024
