Missing University of Montana Student Died in Accident, Authorities Say

— -- A missing University of Montana student was found dead Thursday, more than a week after he went missing while driving back to school to start his junior year of college.

Lucius Robbi’s body and car were found in Custer County, Idaho, authorities said.

Robbi died in a one-vehicle accident Aug. 19 after his car traveled down a 60-foot embankment, colliding with several large pine trees, according to a Custer County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Desperate Search for Student Who Never Arrived for College

Search crews on the air and ground initially had trouble finding the accident site because of heavy brush. Additionally, storms in the area obscured the vehicle’s tracks, authorities said.

A helicopter crew spotted the tip of one of Robbi’s orange kayaks, leading to the discovery of his car, according to the news release.

The California resident, 21, was a skilled outdoorsman, planning to explore on his return trip to college.

Robbi’s mother, Tina Glaessner, wrote a message Thursday to friends, family and volunteers in a Facebook group established after Robbi’s disappearance.

“The family of Lucius Robbi wants to thank all of the many friends who came together to search for him,” Glaessner wrote. “You were amazing, and the overwhelming outpouring of love and the heroic effort you made to find Lucius created a bond between you and all of us that will connect us forever.”

The Idaho State Police Department is continuing to investigate the fatal accident.