Aurora Starchild
The bodies of two students from the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) have been found after both went mysteriously missing last month. Daniel Sotelo and his girlfriend, Natally Brookson, were found in Lake Michigan. However, the case has not yet been solved, as no one knows why or how the two students died.
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Natally, 22, and Daniel, 26, were both last seen on April 30. Natally’s body was found in Lake Michigan on May 10. And now, Daniel’s body has been found in the same lake as of May 22.
Daniel Sotelo was about to graduate with a master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from UIC. His sister, Jennifer Sotelo, attended his graduation and saw that he was not present. The last person to see Daniel was his roommate, who dropped him off at the Roosevelt Red Line stop near State Street. After Daniel was missing from his graduation, his friends and family felt that something serious had happened to him and made pleas for help.
Natally Brookson was an honor’s student at the same University, UIC. Her friends have a GoFundMe page set up to arrange for her funeral costs.
The GoFundMe page has numerous eulogies as well as this statement of purpose:
“Natally’s family and friends are devastated by the news. We (her friends) are hoping to raise money to cover her funeral costs and other financial expenses. We wish to help her family in any way we can, relieving them from any financial burdens. Natally was raised by a single mother, a top student in Roosevelt High School graduating with 5th honors, and a Senior student at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) pursuing psychology while working as a dietary aide at Friedman place.
“All the money raised will go towards the cost of funeral, wake, and other expenses that the family has/will have. As of now, we don’t have a definitive date of when the funeral is going to be. Any amount will truly be appreciated, we appreciate all the help and support we can get either by donating, or as simple as sharing the link to this go fund me.”
Daniel’s sister, Jennifer posted the following statement on her Facebook page:
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Daniel has been found and is no longer with us. My family and I were blessed to have had Danny for the short time that we did. He was an absolute light for us all. His kindness was reflected in his eyes, and his generosity was conveyed in the way he took care of others. His smile had the ability to warm the heart of anyone that came across it. We are fortunate to have witnessed it as many times as we did.
“As many of you may know, Danny was dedicated to his education and was determined to apply his knowledge to better the world. He was expected to graduate with his Masters in Organic Chemistry from the University of Illinois in Chicago (UIC) this month. We are devastated that he did not get the opportunity to celebrate this accomplishment. However, we are so proud of him regardless. He overcame the challenging barriers of being a first-generation American to educate himself, and he did it with a smile on his face. He inspired us all, and we are dedicated to carry on his legacy.”
Lake Michigan has a history of grisly mysteries, some of which have been left unsolved.
The tragic mystery is leaving people scratching their heads and many in tears. Both Daniel Sotelo and Natally Brookson had so much to live for. We’re sending many condolences for their family and friends and hope that they can find the closure that they need.
