Rochester, N.Y. - The search for a missing University of Rochester professor, Heikki Rantakari, has taken a tragic turn as authorities confirm that he is presumed to have accidentally drowned in the Genesee River. The Rochester Police Department's scuba team has been scouring the river for the past two days, following video evidence that showed Rantakari falling from the pedestrian bridge at the end of Bragdon Place into the water.

Authorities obtained the video footage from early Saturday, October 21, capturing the professor's fall. The University of Rochester shared a statement on Friday, expressing their devastation over the news and extending their condolences to Rantakari's wife, family, friends, colleagues, and students.

The University stated, "We learned today that Simon Business School Professor Heikki Rantakari, who has been missing, is presumed to have accidentally drowned in the Genesee River early Saturday morning, October 21, based on video footage. There's no evidence of foul play. The Rochester Police Department (RPD) is continuing its recovery efforts."

Both the University's Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the RPD have been working tirelessly on the case ever since Rantakari was reported missing. While there is no evidence of foul play, authorities are still conducting their search for the professor.

This tragic incident has left the University community shaken, as they come to terms with the loss of a valued faculty member. Rantakari, a professor at the Simon Business School, was a well-respected and beloved member of the academic community.

The scuba team from the Rochester Police Department is dedicated to locating Rantakari's remains in order to provide closure to his loved ones. The recovery efforts are ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information that may assist in the investigation to come forward.

As the investigation continues, the University of Rochester and the local community mourn the loss of Heikki Rantakari and remember him for his contributions to the field of business education.