Misrach Ewunetie, a Princeton student, was discovered dead on campus Thursday, nearly a week after she went missing, according to officials.
A facilities employee discovered the 20-year-body old’s around 1 p.m. “outside on the Facilities grounds behind the tennis courts,” according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors stated, “There were no obvious signs of injury, and her death does not appear suspicious or criminal in nature.”
Prosecutors said an autopsy would be performed.
“The Department of Public Safety has been working closely with local and state law enforcement and does not believe there is any related threat to campus or the surrounding area,” the university said in a statement.
“Misrach’s death is an unimaginable tragedy,” said the university. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the many others who knew and loved her.”
According to the university, Ewunetie was last seen around 3 a.m. on Friday near Scully Hall on the school’s New Jersey campus.
One of her suitemates noticed her at home around 3 a.m. Friday, but when her direct roommate arrived around 4:30 a.m., Ewunetie was not there, according to her brother, Universe Ewunetie.
Misrach Ewunetie was supposed to have a U.S. citizenship interview about 45 minutes away from campus on Saturday, and her family was concerned when she didn’t show up, according to her brother.
He claims that by Sunday, text messages were no longer being delivered and her phone had gone to voicemail.
According to Universe Ewunetie, her phone last rang at 3:30 a.m. Sunday near an off-campus housing complex about a 30-minute walk from her dorm. He said the last time her phone pinged to a cell tower was at 6 a.m. on Sunday.
Using helicopters and drones, law enforcement swarmed the campus in search of her.
Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey tweeted earlier Thursday that he was in contact with officials “who are doing everything they can to find her.”
“We are heartbroken by the tragic news that missing @PrincetonUniversity student Misrach Ewunetie was found dead this afternoon,” the governor tweeted later that day. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and fellow students who knew and loved her.”
