Top 10 Costa Rica

USF Grad missing in Costa Rica found dead

Authorities have found the body of a missing University of South Florida graduate who was swept out to sea Saturday in Costa Rica, according to the U.S. Embassy in the Costa Rican capital of San Jose.

The recovery of 21-year-old Aly Lakdawala’s body was confirmed by the embassy’s American citizens services chief, according to Melissa Martinez, the embassy’s information officer.

Lakdawala had drowned, she said, though she did not have information about when or where his body was found.

Lakdawala, of Coral Springs in Broward County, disappeared while swimming with friends from USF during a two-week volunteer service trip.

The group of four swimmers apparently was caught in a riptide, USF officials have said.

Once they were on shore, the other swimmers could not find Lakdawala, who graduated May 1 with a bachelor’s degree in international studies and philosophy.

His disappearance triggered a search by lifeguards, police and the Costa Rican coast guard.