Investigators on Tuesday said that an Internet message pertaining to a missing Ohio Statemedical appeared to be a hoax.
Brian Shaffer disappeared on April 1, 2006 from the Ugly Tuna Saloona, located near the OhioState campus.
Shaffer, a second-year medical student at Ohio State, went to the bar to celebrate the beginningof spring break with several of his friends when he disappeared.
SLIDESHOW: Search For Brian Shaffer
Last month, Shaffer's father, Randy Shaffer, died when a tree fell on him outside his home.Three days after his death, someone posted a message on Web site in memory of Randy Shaffer thatread, "Dad, I love you, Brian," from the U.S. Virgin Islands, 10TV News reported.
According to police, the Internet message did not originate from a computer in the U.S VirginIslands, but rather from a public access computer located in Franklin County.
Investigators did not say specifically where the computer was located, but the facility does notrequire people to log in, leaving very little chance for authorities to learn who posted themessage.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.
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October 2, 2008: MissingOSU Student Investigation Moves To Virgin Islands
September 15, 2008: FatherOf Missing Ohio State Student Killed In Storm
April 2, 2008: TwoYear Later, Missing Man's Girlfriend Balancing Life
March 29, 2008: VigilFor Missing OSU Student
