Jefferson County, MO – An 18-year-old reported missing on Christmas Eve has been found deceased in the Mississippi River near Festus, authorities confirmed Wednesday.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, barge workers discovered the body Monday, February 16, near River Cement Road just south of Festus. Troopers responded and recovered the body before it was transported to the St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office for identification and autopsy.
On Wednesday, February 18, the Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Wuaniata Gibson, 18, of St. Louis City. Gibson had been reported missing December 24, 2025.
Authorities have not released the official cause or manner of death. The investigation remains ongoing.
The discovery concludes nearly two months of uncertainty following Gibson’s disappearance on Christmas Eve. Officials have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance or how she entered the river.
The case has drawn attention across the St. Louis region due to Gibson’s age and the holiday timing of her disappearance.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
