The search team discovered the body of a first-year student from the University of Mining and Geology near a drain outlet into the Nhue River, about one kilometer from the site of the incident, on the afternoon of September 18. The rescue team located the body at 11:35 AM, thanks to a net that had been set up at the drain outlet, preventing the body from drifting away.

The deceased student, who was a freshman in the Department of Electromechanics, will be examined before being handed over to his family for funeral arrangements in his hometown of Ninh Binh. The drain from Phu Vien Street to the Nhue River is where the body was found.

Earlier, around 10 AM on September 17, the student's old Honda motorcycle was found at the drain's entrance on Phu Vien Street, but there was no sign of the student. The area experienced severe flooding due to heavy rains, with the drain sucking in water forcefully, creating a whirlpool. Local authorities in Dong Ngac Ward coordinated with the family to search for the student until 11:30 PM the previous night, but to no avail.

On the morning of the 18th, two divers from the rescue team repeatedly searched deep into the drain to find the victim. The area where the motorcycle was discovered is right next to the drain outlet. Hanoi experienced widespread flooding after four consecutive days of heavy rainfall, with total rainfall at various monitoring stations exceeding 400 mm. Water levels in rivers and lakes rose above warning levels, causing significant flooding in many streets, disrupting traffic and daily life for residents. Phu Vien Street, located near the Nhue and Hong Rivers, is traditionally a rural area with fields and gardens, close to several universities including the University of Mining and Geology, Finance University, and Public Health University.