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Missing Princeton University Student Misrach Ewunetie Found Dead On Campus Grounds
The body of 20-year-old Misrach Ewunetie was found behind the school's tennis courts nearly a week after she disappeared. Cause of death is unknown, pending an autopsy.
The search has ended for a missing university student after her body was found Thursday afternoon, according to officials.
Misrach Ewunetie, 20, was found dead at around 1:00 p.m. on the campus of Princeton University, according to a joint release by Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri and Princeton’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) Vice President Kenneth Strother Jr.
Officials say the missing undergrad was found behind the outdoor tennis courts on the New Jersey campus, nearly a week since any last-known sighting of the young woman.
Confirmed in a statement from Princeton’s Vice President W. Rochelle Calhoun, officials say initial findings show “no obvious signs of injury, and her death does not appear suspicious or criminal in nature.”
More will be revealed upon a postmortem examination by the Middlesex County Medical Examiner’s Office.
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“Misrach’s death is an unthinkable tragedy,” said Calhoun. “Our hearts go out to her family, her friends, and the many others who knew and loved her.”
Widespread searches began after the Ohio woman was reported missing by family members on Sunday, when relatives could not get ahold of Ewunetie.
The Princeton junior was last seen “in the vicinity” of the Scully Hall residential building on Friday at about 3:00 a.m., and a roommate reportedly told family members they saw Ewunetie sleeping early that morning, according to CNN.
In another report, one of Ewunetie’s roommates saw her brushing her teeth around 3:00 a.m., according to the Princeton Press-Herald. Ewunetie was gone an hour and a half later, family members told Good Morning America.
Hours before news of Ewunetie’s death surfaced, her brother, Universe Ewunetie, told CNN he and his family — who are primarily based in Ohio — went to Princeton to help with the searches. However, they felt “in the dark,” as authorities allegedly failed to apprise them with information.
“It’s very painful. A nightmare I cannot wake up from,” Universe Ewunetie said at the time. “I wish she’s somewhere out there.”
On Oct. 13, one night before she disappeared, Ewunetie was assigned to do housekeeping during a live music performance at one of the school’s eating clubs, according to the student newspaper, The Daily Princetonian.
“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,” Terrace Club student officers said in a statement obtained by the paper. “After the club had closed and all of the duty responsibilities had been fulfilled, Misrach — as well as other members on duty — left for the night.”
Universe Ewunetie said family members couldn’t get ahold of the student on Friday or Saturday, and that all attempted calls went straight to voicemail by Sunday.
The family was especially concerned because Ewunetie reportedly had a meeting about her citizenship, which she missed over the weekend, according to CNN.
DPS regularly updated the public, notifying students of “increased law enforcement presence” at the Ivy League campus, including the use of drones, watercraft and helicopters.
Princeton Vice President Calhoun announced counseling and psychological services would be made available for students and faculty alike.
“We know this is an upsetting time for our community, especially Misrach’s fellow students,” Calhoun stated. “There are many people and resources on campus that are here for you.”
Calhoun added that Princeton was a “close-knit community” and that they would mourn Misrach’s death together.
