Murry Foust's Mom Speaks Out After Transgender Student Found Dead

The mother of a missing transgender college student who was found dead in Kentucky is launching a scholarship fund to honor the late artist.

The body of Murry Foust, a 22-year-old fine arts major who was set to graduate from Northern Kentucky University earlier this month, was discovered late Sunday by an independent search team in Wilder, Kentucky, police said. Foust’s mother, Jennifer Heise Foust, acknowledged those who supported the family during the arduous investigation in a Facebook post early Tuesday.

“Thank you to everyone in the community for helping us start the art scholarship fund in honor of our child,” Foust wrote. “Whether you knew them as Murry, Marie or Lexi, we appreciate your kindness and generosity in making sure their love of art lives on.”

Foust’s family plans to establish a nonprofit organization in their name. Jennifer Heise Foust also thanked the friends, family and supporters who have donated more than $7,000 via a meal train app.

“We also greatly appreciate the friends and family who brought us meals or sent gift cards for food, and to all of you who continue to offer your love and support during this difficult time,” her post continued. “We are still in the process of making arrangements and will keep you posted. Much love, The Foust Family.”

Foust, who was scheduled to graduate on May 9, was last seen while heading to class on April 27 in the Latonia section of Covington. A friend had posted on Facebook that they were in “good spirits” prior to the unexplained disappearance.

Investigators found no indication of foul play, Covington police said. A cause and manner of death will be determined by the Campbell County Coroner’s Office. No additional details were available as of midday Tuesday, a spokesperson told Newsweek.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Foust family and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” police said in a statement on Sunday. “While we are saddened by this loss, we hope this development can provide the family with some answers and a measure of closure.”

Police also praised the public for sharing information during the search and for assisting in efforts to find Foust, including EquuSearch Midwest, Boone County Water Rescue, Wilder police and Northern Kentucky University.

“We ask the public to allow investigators to continue their work alongside the Campbell County Coroner's Office to determine the circumstances surrounding this case,” Covington Police Captain Justin Bradbury said in a statement.

Donations to the Foust family and proceeds from the sale of Murry’s work will help support other local artists, including an event at the Cincinnati Art Museum on May 29 and a pottery fundraiser at Northern Kentucky University.

“Thank you again to everyone who came together to support us and lift us up,” Jennifer Heise Foust wrote. “We pray Alexis ‘Murry’ Foust is at peace.”

Faculty and classmates held a moment of silence for Foust at NKU’s graduation ceremony on May 9. School officials released a statement on Sunday acknowledging the tragic discovery.

“We are heartbroken to learn of the death of our student, Murry (Alexis) Foust,” university officials said. “Our thoughts are with their family, friends and all who knew them. This is a profound loss for our campus community. We are grateful to the Covington Police Department and all of those who assisted in the search efforts. We encourage any members of our campus community who may be struggling to reach out for support.”

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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 9:03 AM.