Tragic Discovery: USF Student Found Dead, Girlfriend Still Missing

Sat Apr 25 2026 20:50:32 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The body of Zamil Limon, a Bangladeshi doctoral student who disappeared alongside his girlfriend from the University of South Florida, has been discovered on the Howard Frankland Bridge. His roommate is facing multiple charges as authorities continue the search for Nahida Bristy.

Zamil Limon's remains were located on a bridge in Tampa Bay on Friday morning, sparking an investigation that led to the arrest of his roommate, Hisham Saleh Abugharbeih. Both students had been missing since April 16, with increasing concern from the community. The investigation is ongoing as detectives search for Nahida Bristy, Limon's girlfriend, who remains unaccounted for. The police are asking anyone with information to come forward.

The body of a Bangladeshi doctoral student who went missing with his girlfriend from the University of South Florida was found on a bridge over Tampa Bay, and his roommate has been taken into custody, law enforcement authorities said Friday.

Zamil Limon’s remains were found on the Howard Frankland Bridge, but Nahida Bristy is still missing, according to Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer.

Hisham Saleh Abugharbeih, Limon's roommate, was arrested at his family’s home on preliminary charges including unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery. He is set to make his first court appearance Saturday morning.

“We are still actively searching for Nahida,” Maurer said, urging anyone with information to come forward. Law enforcement dive teams have been deployed to search the bay in their continued efforts.

Officers responded to a domestic violence report at Abugharbeih's home, where they managed to evacuate his relatives before he barricaded himself inside. A SWAT team, along with negotiators and drones, were able to coax him out.

“This is a deeply disturbing case that has shaken our community and impacted many who were hoping for a safe resolution,” Sheriff Chad Chronister stated. “While the discovery of Zamil Limon’s remains is heartbreaking, I want the public to know that our detectives worked and are working tirelessly and relentlessly to uncover the truth.”

Limon and Bristy, both 27, had discussed marriage, according to relatives. They were last seen on April 16, with Limon missing from his off-campus apartment and Bristy last seen at a campus science building shortly thereafter.

A family friend reported them missing after not being able to get in touch with either student. During the investigation, Abugharbeih initially spoke with detectives but chose to end the interview before later cooperating following his arrest.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of Limon's death, with results expected soon.

Abugharbeih had a history with previous arrests, including domestic violence petitions filed by family members. The community continues to seek answers regarding the whereabouts of Nahida Bristy as the investigation unfolds.