The body of a Purdue student missing since early Sunday was found today submerged in his car in a Fishers neighborhood retention pond, police say.

The vehicle driven by Patrick Trainor, 19, Indianapolis, was identified by family members gathered in the Fishers neighborhood of Breakwater, near 116th Street and Brooks School Road.

Fishers Fire Department spokesman Ron Lipps said authorities pulled the car from the pond about 3 p.m.

Police said they found no tire tracks leading from the road into the pond, which is about 20 feet from the road.

Trainor’s family identified the body. They declined comment.

In West Lafayette, more than 200 friends and supporters gathered Wednesday night at Sagamore Ridge Apartments for a candlelight vigil. They prayed, shared a moment of silence and wrote messages to Trainor on a large banner stretched in front of the apartment complex, which is managed by a friend of Trainor’s family.

“We’re here to support Patrick, his friends and his family through this difficult time,” said Danielle Champagne, event organizer. “We’re a community here, and this vigil is a simple way for us to come together.”

Purdue freshman and fellow Beta Theta Pi member Tom McGrath said the vigil was planned before Trainor’s body was found Wednesday. Emotionally, the ceremony came at a crucial time.

“We really appreciate all of the support. From the search efforts to everything else,” he said. “Pat was one of the strongest, most easygoing guys I have ever met, and he will be greatly missed.”…
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