Body of Purdue running back recovered

LAKE FREEMAN, Ind. (WLFI) - The body of a Purdue student and football player last seen alive near Lake Freeman has been recovered.

According to the Carroll County Sheriff's Department, the body of 22-year-old Sean Matti was found floating in the water on Lake Freeman.

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Officer Matt Tholen said Matti was found 20 yards from a pier at 7528 Hambridge at 8:25 a.m. This ended a search that began Sunday night after the DNR was contacted at 11:30 p.m.

Matti was a senior at Purdue University and a running back for the football team. He joined the program in 2007 as a walk-on running back. Athletics director Morgan Burke expressed sympathy for Matti's family.

"On behalf of the entire Purdue Boilermaker family, our hearts go out to Sean’s family – Frank and Karen, Samantha, Kyle and Amanda – and all those who knew and loved him. It is during difficult times like these that families must unite to grow stronger, and we extend our hands out to help however we can," said Burke in a press release.

Matti's head coach, Danny Hope, also expressed his grief.

"Purdue football is a family, and I am terribly saddened by the loss of one of our young men. Sally’s and my prayers continue to go out to Sean’s family and all his friends and loved ones. He was a special young man whose positive spirit will be a part of our program forever," said Hope.

According to DNR officer Matt Tholen, Matti was last seen near Lake Freeman Sunday afternoon. Friends told officers that they were all drinking at the time.

An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon and the investigation is still pending waiting on results of the blood tests.

Members of the Tippecanoe County Dive Team, Indiana State Police Dive Team, Carroll County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana Conservation Officers were on scene to prepare for the search and rescue efforts for the day when Matti's body was found.

WLFI.com will continue to bring you the latest updates.