The body of Lauren Blackburn, a 23-year-old junior at Princeton University, was discovered Friday morning in Lake Carnegie, nearly a week after he was reported missing, authorities have confirmed.
Blackburn, an English major and resident of New College West, was last seen around 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, near Firestone Library.
A campus-wide TigerAlert was issued on April 22 after he failed to return to his dorm, prompting an intensive search by the Department of Public Safety and local authorities.
Investigators focused on Lake Carnegie after Blackburn’s phone was traced to the area late Monday night. Search efforts included sonar-equipped boats, drones, and K-9 units.
On April 25, Princeton’s Dean of Undergraduate Students, Regan Crotty, informed the campus community of the discovery via email.
“Our hearts are heavy and we share our deepest condolences with Lauren’s family and friends,” Crotty wrote.
The cause of death has not been disclosed, and authorities continue to investigate.
Originally from Corydon, Indiana, Blackburn was a National Merit Scholar and Gates Scholar. He was also a recipient of the 2024 Sam Hutton Fund for the Arts and had contributed as a features writer for The Daily Princetonian.
Blackburn’s death marks the seventh undergraduate death at Princeton since 2021, with the previous six ruled as suicides. The university has faced increasing scrutiny over student mental health resources in recent years.
In response to the tragedy, Princeton has made counseling services available through Counseling and Psychological Services, the Office of Religious Life, and residential college staff. A gathering for students to reflect and support one another was held Friday evening at New College West.
“It is during these difficult times that we must draw strength and support from one another,” Crotty wrote. “We know that every member of our community joins us in sending our condolences to Lauren’s family, friends and loved ones.”
