The body of Seth Thomas has been found in Peru two days after the USC medical student was last seen, according to university officials.
USC chief communications officer Wes Hickman revealed in a statement Sunday that American and Peruvian officials had notified the university that Thomas' body had been found. Few details are available, but Hickman said it is believed that Thomas died in a hiking accident.
Thomas, a second-year medical student, attended Dutch Fork High School in Irmo and graduated from Clemson University in 2015 before enrolling in USC’s School of Medicine. He was working with a Peruvian non-profit women's health organization as part of a program run by Augusta University at the time of his death. The State reported Sunday afternoon that he was last seen Friday while hiking in the Andes Mountains.
Hickman's statement included a reaction by USC President Harris Pastides to Thomas' death.
"It is so tragic that someone who was dedicating his life to help those in need was taken from us before he could achieve his life's dreams," Pastides said Sunday.
Hickman said Sunday that on-campus counseling is available to any USC personnel or students.
The Thomas family also released a statement Monday, saying they were “deeply touched” by the outpouring of prayer and support they received in the aftermath of Seth’s disappearance.
“Seth was a beautiful person and we have been blessed to have been a part of his life,” they said. “Seth’s love of God, his deep desire to help others, and his wish to make the world a better place is how he would like to be remembered.
“He would want everyone who was touched by his life to show compassion for one another and be at peace.”
The Thomas family confirmed Monday that they are working on having Seth’s body flown back to the United States and thanked the School of Medicine for their assistance and understanding in the matter.
Alexa Triantis, community director for Byrnes and Lever resident halls at Clemson University, was Thomas’ supervisor during his time as a Clemson resident advisor. She remembered Thomas as a superb friend and co-worker and recalled his amazing passion for music.
“Seth was an amazingly unique, reflective, kind hearted soul who dedicated his life to serving others," Triantis said. “During his three years as an RA, he listened to students and developed numerous events and activities to engage students with all different types of interests and passions.”
Triantis went on to describe Thomas as a “wonderful role model” and recalled the crowds he would draw when playing the violin during nights on call as a resident advisor.
“He was a wonderful asset to the Clemson Home team and will be greatly missed,” Triantis said.