Body Found Identified as That of Missing Theology Student

Authorities have confirmed that a body found in the Arkansas River is that of a missing theology student.

Police said Monday that the body has been identified as that of 24-year-old Brian Bergkamp, a native of Garden Plain. He had been scheduled to enter his third year of theology study at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

He was found last week after being reported missing July 9 when the Arkansas River was swollen by recent rains.

Fire officials say two men and three women in separate kayaks were floating on the river Saturday when they hit churning water.

Officials said one of the women fell into the swirling water, and Bergkamp left his kayak to assist her. She and the other kayakers made it to shore.