(NewsNation) — Misrach Ewunetie, the 20-year-old Princeton University student who was last seen at her college dorm around 3 a.m. last Friday, is dead, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s office confirmed.
“Approximately 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 20, 2022, authorities located the deceased body of missing Princeton University student Misrach Ewunetie,” a statement read.
According to officials, Ewunetie’s body was found near tennis courts on the edge of Princeton’s campus.
The prosecutor’s office went on to say that while no signs of trauma were detected and Ewunetie’s death does not appear suspicious or criminal in nature, an autopsy by the Middlesex County Medical Examiner’s Office will officially determine the cause and manner of her death.
Ewunetie was reported missing on Monday after her family was concerned when she missed an appointment last Saturday regarding her U.S. citizenship application.
A junior at Princeton, Ewunetie came to the U.S. from Ethiopia with her family in 2008.
Her brother told the U.S. Sun that on Sunday, his sister’s cellphone pinged near a New Jersey housing complex. Ewunetie had been sharing her location with a family member.
Police went to the complex with search dogs, but they found no trace of her.
Ewunetie’s disappearance had other Princeton students on edge, prompting the university to bolster security, including sending drones, helicopters and watercraft to survey the campus area.
“You always imagine Princeton just being safe and everything, but unfortunately that’s not the truth. It’s a reminder we have to stay alert, stay aware and we have to be looking out for each other at all times,” Princeton student Laura Esguerra said.
Princeton University Vice President Rochelle Calhoun released a statement following the confirmation of Ewunetie’s death, informing the student body of the tragic news.
“It is with great sadness that we share heartbreaking news about the death of Misrach Ewunetie ’24,” the statement read. “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,” it continued.
Calhoun went on to tell the student body that the school is planning to give them an opportunity to join together and remember Ewunetie.
“We know this is an upsetting time for our community, especially Misrach’s fellow students. There are many people and resources on campus that are here for you,” Calhoun wrote.