Search Intensifies for Two Missing University of South Florida Doctoral Students in Tampa

Authorities in Tampa, Florida, are searching for two University of South Florida doctoral students, both from Bangladesh, who have been missing since April 16. Local police and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office are actively pursuing leads and expanding efforts to locate Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27 years old.

The University of South Florida Police Department confirmed that Limon, who was studying artificial intelligence applications in environmental science, was last seen around 9 a.m. last Thursday at his Tampa residence. Bristy, a chemical engineering student, was reportedly last seen approximately an hour later on the USF Tampa campus.

Family members say the pair's sudden disappearance is highly unusual. Limon’s brother, Zubaer Ahmed, noted that while Limon recently requested family not contact him so he could focus on an upcoming thesis presentation, the lack of communication since April 16 is out of character. Bristy’s brother, Zahid Pranto, expressed concern, emphasizing that Bristy has maintained daily contact with her family until now.

According to friends, Limon had notified lab colleagues via a shared Outlook calendar that he would be working from home on the day of the disappearance, planning to devote time to his thesis. Friends and family have not reported any known issues leading up to their absence.

The investigation encompasses multiple locations in Hillsborough and neighboring Pinellas counties, with both campus and county law enforcement coordinating searches. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact university police.

As of Wednesday, both students remain missing and the search is ongoing, with their families pleading for public assistance in locating them.