Water search for Max Maisel called off; parents issue statement

The Rochester Police Department announced Tuesday the discontinuation of the water search for missing Rochester Institute of Technology student Max Maisel.

Maisel, 21, of Connecticut and a third-year professional photographic illustration student, was last seen Feb. 22 leaving the Perkins Green campus apartment complex in Henrietta. Police found his car near the Charlotte Pier the following day.

Police, the U.S. Coast Guard and numerous other agencies were involved in an almost month-long search for Maisel, with the last water search done Monday.

We have "exhausted all of our leads pertaining to the water search," said Investigator Jacqueline Shuman of the Rochester Police Department.

"More than three weeks in, the searchers share our frustration," Ivan Maisel, Max's father and a senior writer for ESPN, said in the family's statement. "The evidence suggests that Max went into the water off the Charlotte pier. Max is not where the evidence suggests he should be."

The search for Maisel, however, continues, police said.

Maisel's parents, Ivan Maisel and Meg Murray, released a statement expressing gratitude to RIT and law enforcement agencies for the search.

"We appreciate the compassion and professionalism of the men and women with whom we have dealt, from the detectives to the scuba team to Police Chief Mike Ciminelli," the statement reads. "The sheriff's office personnel showed the same kind of sensitivity. The RIT community has overcome its own shock and disbelief to rush to our aid. Administrators, security personnel and Max's professors have been generous with their time and with the university's resources. We thank all of you."

TYEE@DemocratandChronicle.com

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