Tragic Discovery of Missing USF Doctoral Student Sparks Investigation
Body Found on Howard Frankland Bridge
The remains of Zamil Ahamed Limon, a 27-year-old doctoral candidate at the University of South Florida (USF), were discovered on Friday morning on the Howard Frankland Bridge spanning Tampa Bay. Authorities confirmed his identity later that day. Limon, who was studying geography and environmental science and policy, had been reported missing since April 16, 2026. He was last seen at his home in Tampa around 9 a.m. on that date. Another USF doctoral student, Nahida S. Bristy, also 27 and pursuing a degree in chemical engineering, vanished on the same day, last seen around 10 a.m. at the Natural and Environmental Sciences Building on campus. Both students hailed from Bangladesh and were believed to be in a romantic relationship.
Arrest Following Domestic Incident
During a press briefing on Friday, officials from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Limon’s body was located on the bridge. Shortly after, his roommate, 26-year-old Hisham Salah Abugharbieh, was apprehended following a domestic violence incident and a standoff at a residence in the Lake Forest area near the USF campus. Abugharbieh is facing several charges, including tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery, among others, related to the case. Authorities have identified him as a suspect in the disappearances of both Limon and Bristy. Detectives were already pursuing leads near the bridge when the domestic disturbance call was received.
Search for Nahida Bristy Ongoing
As of Friday evening, the search for Nahida Bristy is still active, and she is considered missing and endangered. Law enforcement agencies have intensified their search efforts across various locations, but no new information regarding her status has been made public.
Family Reactions and Community Impact
Family members of both students expressed that their sudden disappearance was completely out of character. Limon was preparing to defend his doctoral thesis and maintained regular communication with his family. Bristy reportedly never went a day without contacting her relatives. Friends and family described the situation as “suspicious” and “devastating.” The two had not been heard from for nearly a week prior to the discovery of Limon’s body. Initially, USF Police managed the missing persons reports before the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office took over the investigation. The university community has been deeply affected by these events.
The cause of Limon’s death is still pending autopsy results, and investigators have not disclosed full details regarding the circumstances of the discovery or the specifics of the roommate’s alleged involvement. This investigation remains active, and anyone with information about Nahida Bristy’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office or USF Police immediately. The case has garnered significant attention both locally and nationally due to the victims being international doctoral students and the rapid developments that unfolded on Friday. Further updates are anticipated as the investigation continues.