Northwestern University professor Nina Kraus goes missing during walk
- Nina Kraus, a 72-year-old professor at Northwestern University, was reported missing after leaving her home for a walk on Labor Day.
- Authorities are using drones to search the Lake Michigan area as they believe she may have walked in that vicinity.
- The university and police urge the community for assistance in locating her and express hope for her safe return.
In Illinois, Northwestern University Professor Nina Kraus was reported missing after she left for a walk on Labor Day, which was September 1, 2025. According to police reports, the 72-year-old professor, known for her work in auditory neuroscience, was last seen at around 9 a.m. while walking in the vicinity of her home on Ashland Avenue in Evanston. Her family expressed concern and reported her disappearance to authorities the same day. The university collaborated with the police in their efforts to locate Kraus, issuing a statement showing hope for her safe return. The Evanston Police Department has actively engaged in search efforts. They deployed drones along the Lake Michigan waterfront, indicating they believe she may have walked in that area. Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage have not yielded any leads as of now. During this search, police described Kraus as approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall with long silver hair, wearing long pants and a windbreaker, and carrying a dark backpack. These details were widely circulated to aid in the search efforts. Kraus's disappearance has drawn significant attention not only from her family and university community but also from the general public. The National Center for Missing and Endangered issued an alert to broaden the range of their search. The community's response has been overwhelmingly supportive, showcasing concern for her well-being. Professors, students, and acquaintances have shared expressions of hope for her safety, emphasizing the positive impact she has had on those around her. As the investigation continues, authorities stated there is currently no suspicion of foul play. They encourage anyone with information regarding Kraus's whereabouts to contact the police, demonstrating a collective effort in a hopeful search for a beloved figure in academia. With the involvement of the community, university officials are optimistic that the combined efforts will lead to finding her and ensuring her safety.