ENCINITAS (AP) — Hundreds of people have gathered to mourn a San Diego State University student who was found dead in a Spanish river after drinking at a nightclub.

Services for 22-year-old Austin Bice were held Sunday at a church in Encinitas. The North County Times says friends and family described the 6-foot-5 Carlsbad man as playful, mischievous and always striving to improve himself.

According to the North County Times, the Rev. Mark Feldmeir told mourners at San Dieguito United Methodist Church that the mystery surrounding Bice’s death made the loss more painful for his family.

Bice was last seen alive on Feb. 26 after leaving friends outside a Madrid nightclub. His body was found in a nearby river on March 8.

Spanish authorities say preliminary investigation points to accidental death.

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