Full Breakdown
Disappearance of University of South Florida Doctoral Students Raises Concerns
4/23/2026, 5:21:05 AM
Missing Students and Circumstances
Zamil Limon and Nahida S. Bristy, both 27 and doctoral students at the University of South Florida (USF), have been reported missing since Thursday, April 16. Limon, who is studying geography, environmental science, and policy, was last seen at his Tampa residence around 9 a.m., while Bristy, a chemical engineering student, was last spotted at 10 a.m. in the Natural and Environmental Sciences Building on the USF campus. Their disappearance was reported by a family friend on Friday, prompting the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to process missing person reports for both individuals.
Family members have expressed deep concern, stating that it is out of character for Limon and Bristy to go off the grid without informing loved ones. Zubaer Ahmed, Limon’s younger brother, noted that the pair had a close friendship and were contemplating a future together, although they were not actively dating. Both families have emphasized that Limon and Bristy would not willingly disappear.
Details Surrounding Their Disappearance
On the day they went missing, Bristy left her belongings, including her laptop and iPad, in a university lab, with only her purse and phone missing. Limon left his apartment with his phone and wallet, but his passport was found at his residence. Family members last communicated with Limon on Monday, and he was reportedly busy with thesis deadlines. Bristy's family last spoke with her around noon on Thursday, when she mentioned plans to go grocery shopping.
Police investigations revealed that Limon's phone was last traced to his apartment around 11 a.m. on Thursday, while Bristy's phone was last detected near the USF campus around 5 p.m. that same day. However, family members have expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation, particularly regarding the absence of suspicious findings in CCTV footage.
Family Concerns and Official Responses
The families of Limon and Bristy have publicly voiced their distress over the situation. Zahaid Hasan Pranto, Bristy’s older brother, described the family as devastated and issued a plea for her to return safely. He expressed skepticism about the police's initial reluctance to publicize the case, which they believed could be an abduction scenario. The Bangladeshi Embassy has requested FBI involvement in the case, and both families have been assured that neither student is in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Police are actively seeking information from the public regarding the whereabouts of Limon and Bristy, urging anyone with relevant details to contact the USF Police Department at (813) 974-2628.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s like a completely impossible thing, doing something like that for him,” — Zubaer Ahmed, Brother of Zamil Limon
- “She would never do that, never do something like this, never put our family through this pain and everything,” — Zahaid Hasan Pranto, Brother of Nahida S. Bristy
- “Just be safe and contact us. Everyone is just worried, and we just want you to come back safe and sound.” — Zahaid Hasan Pranto, Brother of Nahida S. Bristy
The situation remains critical as the families await further developments in the search for Limon and Bristy.
