NJ Teen Who Went Missing On Halloween Confirmed Dead, Police Say

Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day.

Charleston Police have shifted their search for an NJ teen who went missing in South Carolina on Halloween to recovery efforts after detectives confirmed that the teen died by suicide, the police department said in an update on Thursday.

Owen Tillman Kenney, 19, was last seen walking alone onto the Ravenel Bridge pedestrian walkway shortly after 3 a.m. on Oct. 31, according to police.

After reviewing recently recovered video evidence, detectives confirmed through direct observation that at 3:49 a.m. on Halloween, Kenney died by suicide after walking onto the bridge’s pedestrian walkway.

As a result of this discovery, the Charleston Police Department has shifted from search operations to recovery efforts, authorities said.

Partner agencies continue to assist them as they work to bring closure to Kenney’s family.

“Our priority has always been and will remain Owen’s family,” Chief Chito Walker said. “This is a real case involving a real family living through unimaginable pain, and they deserve compassion, privacy, and support from all of us.”

The Charleston Police Department remains in close contact with the Kenney family and will continue providing support and updates as recovery efforts move forward, police said.

According to an online post from Red Bank Catholic High School, Kenney was part of the school's Class of 2024. He later went on to attend the College of Charleston.

Previous Coverage

• NJ Teen Who Vanished On Halloween Was Last Seen On Bridge, Police Say
• NJ Teen Vanishes On Halloween, Police, School Seeks Public's Help