2 Missing Doctoral Students Were Romantically Linked but Would Not ‘Disappear Without Telling Anyone,’ Family Says

Family said it is out of character for University of South Florida doctoral students Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy to vanish

Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy.Credit : University of South Florida Police Department

NEED TO KNOW

Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, two doctoral students at the University of South Florida, disappeared separately on April 16
Family said the pair were previously romantically involved and considering a future together
One family member said Bristy left her laptop, iPad and lunch box at a university lab

New details are emerging after two doctoral students at the University of South Florida disappeared.

The University of South Florida Police Department said Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27, were last seen separately on April 16 in Tampa.

A mutual acquaintance reported the pair missing on April 17 at 4:50 p.m. local time after they were unable to reach both Limon and Bristy.

Zubaer Ahmed, Limon’s younger brother, told NBC News that Limon and Bristy were “close friends” and even seemed to be romantically linked.

Zahaid Hasan Pranto, Bristy’s older brother, said the pair were romantically involved in the past but weren’t currently dating, though his sister seemingly was “emotionally engaged” with Limon.

Zamil Limon.University of South Florida Police Department

Ahmed said Limon and Bristy were “thinking about having [a] future together,” according to NBC News. He also noted that both students were considering getting married at some point but were dedicated to their studies.

The brother described Limon and Bristy as “very serious” people who would not “disappear without telling anyone.”

Limon, a doctoral student pursuing a degree in geography and environmental science and policy, was last seen at his home around 9 a.m., according to police.

Family last spoke with Limon on April 13, Ahmed said, NBC News reported. He added that Limon left his apartment with his phone and wallet, but left his passport behind.

Bristy, a doctoral student studying chemical engineering, was last seen around 10 a.m. on the USF Tampa campus at the NES Building, police said.

Pranto said family last spoke with his sister on the day of her disappearance, according to NBC News. She left her laptop, iPad and lunch box at a university lab, he added.

Nahida S. Bristy.University of South Florida Police Department

Both Ahmed and Pranto said their siblings’ disappearances are out of character. Pranto also shared a message for his sister.

“Just be safe and contact us,” the brother said, according to NBC News. “Everyone is just worried, and we just want you to come back safe and sound.”

Police previously told Fox affiliate WTVT that Limon and Bristy, who are both from Bangladesh, are not being held by ICE.

Anyone with information is asked to call the University of South Florida Police Department at 813-974-2628.