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Body of missing UNF student found in pond near Jacksonville apartment complex

Police identified a body pulled out of a pond near the University of North Florida Saturday as George Louissaint Jr., a student who had been missing for almost a week.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said someone was walking their dog in the area and noticed the body in a pond at The District on Kernan apartments, where family said 20-year-old Louissaint lived.

JSO confirmed Saturday afternoon that the body found in the water -- which a dive team had already searched after Louissaint's disappearance -- was the missing student.

Louissaint’s roommate and best friend Markale Ford told Action News Jax this is the outcome friends have been dreading since he was reported missing early Sunday morning.

Best friend of missing UNF student recalls their last encounter

Police said made statements that raised concerns about his personal safety then walked home from a party around 3:30 a.m. Sunday.

According to an alert issued by the university, Louissaint also made a concerning phone call to his sister around 3 a.m.

UNF police initially said the water searches were only precautionary. They searched almost 30 bodies of water after his disappearance.

Louissaint’s father said his son didn't swim well.

Police said no foul play is suspected in his death, and that JSO will now take over the investigation.

"My heart breaks for the community. I encourage students to take advantage of the resources that the university has for students that could be prevent these situations," UNF police chief Frank Mackesy said.

Loussaint’s family and friends tell me the loss is devastating.

“Obviously we’re going to be sad and mourn about it, but we'll just try to have great memories about him,” Ford said.

UNF said grief counselors are available to students should they need to talk to anyone.

Follow Action News Jax for the latest details on the story.