Update: The original headlines in this story have been updated to reflect a Dec. 28 press release from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office stating an autopsy determined Misrach Ewunetie died by suicide.
The body of Princeton student Misrach Ewunetie was discovered Thursday in New Jersey, nearly a week after she was first reported missing.
Just days after Princeton University and local law enforcement requested public assistance locating the missing undergraduate, a facilities employee found Ewunetie on the outskirts of campus behind the tennis courts around 1 p.m., Mercer County prosecutors stated according to NBC4 News.
Investigators and prosecutors stated that there were no obvious signs of trauma to her body and indicated that her death does not “appear suspicious or criminal in nature,” according to NBC4. An autopsy, however, will be performed to ascertain the manner and cause of death, the outlet stated. (RELATED: Police Find Body Of Missing Woman After Two-Month Search)
Missing Princeton University student Misrach Ewunetie found dead https://t.co/EHNkEg7Xnz pic.twitter.com/WTEAoAmrif
— New York Post (@nypost) October 20, 2022
Ewunetie was volunteering at Princeton’s Terrace Club on Oct. 13 doing housekeeping work during a live music performance at the club, The Daily Princetonian reported.
“On Thursday night, one of our members who was initially signed up for duty was unable to attend our event, and Misrach volunteered to cover their shift. After the club had closed and all of the duty responsibilities had been fulfilled, Misrach – as well as the other members on duty – left for the night,” Terrace Club’s student officer’s wrote to the paper.
She was last seen around 3 a.m. near her residential building, prompting law enforcement to search Lake Carnegie on Princeton’s campus, and the surrounding area after authorities used bloodhounds to trace Ewunetie’s scent from the dorm to the lake, according to CNN.
“Misrach’s death is an unthinkable tragedy. Our hearts go out to her family, her friends and the many others who knew and loved her.” the university said in a statement as reported by NBC4 News.
Princeton is also planning to host “an opportunity for students to join together and remember Misrach” and has urged students, faculty and staff impacted Ewunetie’s death to contact support, guidance and counsel resources.