Misrach Ewunetie, a 20-year-old African-American student, was found dead near her university’s tennis court around 1 pm on Thursday.
Ewunetie, a student at Princeton University in New Jersey, disappeared while leaving her dorm last Sunday, and her disappearance has sparked a massive search in the university community.
The school said authorities were using a helicopter, drones and boats in the search, adding to the police presence on campus as efforts to find her came to an abrupt end when her lifeless body was found on campus.
The Washington Post reported that an employee at the facility discovered her body and immediately reported the matter to authorities.
According to Mercer County Attorney Angelo Onofri and Princeton Vice President Kenneth Strother Jr., there were no signs of injury and her death was under investigation.
“There are no apparent signs of injury and her death doesn’t look suspicious or criminal,” said Onofri and Strother Jr. in a statement.
“Misrach’s death is an unimaginable tragedy. Our hearts go out to her family, her friends and the many others who knew and loved her,” University of Campus Life Vice President W. Rochelle Calhoun said in a statement.
An autopsy was performed on Friday, but prosecutors added that it would take weeks to determine the cause and manner of death.
Meanwhile, her family and the university community described her as a high achiever and dedicated volunteer who excelled in pursuing her dreams.
The night before her disappearance, Ewunetie volunteered at a music event at the Terrace Club, one of Princeton’s 11 restaurants, and after the club closed, “she and other members on duty went out for the night”.
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The deceased’s brother, Universe Ewunetie, described her as “a very intelligent and sensitive person who cares about people”.
“She is loved and cared for and we miss her,” he said.
According to the report, her family is originally from Ethiopia, but Ewunetie grew up in Euclid, Ohio, and Princeton is her only connection to New Jersey, he said.
The news left New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy “heartbroken,” according to a message he sent on Twitter on Thursday.
Murphy wrote in the tweet, “Our hearts go out to her family, friends and classmates who knew and loved her.
Princeton stated that the institution is organizing a memorial service for Ewunetie and will make more information public later.
The news left New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy “heartbroken,” according to a message he sent on Twitter on Thursday.
Murphy wrote in the tweet, “Our hearts go out to her family, friends and classmates who knew and loved her.
Princeton stated that the institution is organizing a memorial service for Ewunetie and will make more information public later.
