Missing Princeton University student found dead, authorities say

Missing Princeton University student Misrach Ewunetie was found dead Thursday after a dayslong search, officials said.

Ewuneties body was found by a campus facilities employee outside near tennis courts and a university facilities building around 1 p.m., according to Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri.

An autopsy by the Middlesex County Medical Examiners Office will determine Ms. Ewuneties cause and manner of death, however there were no obvious signs of injury and her death does not appear suspicious or criminal in nature, Onofri said in a joint statement with Kenneth Strother Jr., Princeton Universitys assistant vice president for public safety.

Prosecutor Onofri expressed his deepest condolences to Ms. Ewuneties family and the Princeton campus community, the statement said.

University Vice President for Campus Life Rochelle Calhoun called the death heartbreaking news and said counseling was being offered.

Misrachs death is an unthinkable tragedy. Our hearts go out to her family, her friends and the many others who knew and loved her, Calhoun said. We are planning an opportunity for students to join together and remember Misrach. Information about the gathering will be shared separately when details are known.

Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted condolences, as well.

We are heartbroken by the tragic news that missing (Princeton) University student Misrach Ewunetie was found dead this afternoon, he said in the tweet. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and fellow students who knew and loved her.

Authorities launched a search for Ewunetie after the 20-year-old junior was reported missing last week. Princeton officials said she was reportedly last seen around 3 a.m. Friday near Scully Hall, a residence hall on the southeastern section of campus.

University public safety officers, local and state police along with multiple fire and rescue crews search the campus by air, ground and by boat.

Ewunetie, a Cleveland, Ohio, native graduated from Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School in 2020 where she was valedictorian.

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Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com.