Rutgers Statement on Student Who Died in Newton Lake

Richard Phillips, 21, died Wednesday after . Police believe he may have been submerged for almost 90 minutes before the car was discovered.

Phillips’ car crossed a grassy area, plunging through a park bench and lamp post before entering the water. Police said Wednesday the car may have entered around 7:45 a.m., although it and Phillips weren’t pulled from the until after 9 a.m.

A call to Camden County Park Police inquiring about an update, including any known cause of death or reason for the accident, wasn’t immediately returned Thursday.

Phillips was an accounting major at Rutgers University in Camden. The business school dean, Jaishankar Ganesh, sent the following message to students after Phillips’ death:

To the Campus Community:

It is with great sorrow that I report the tragic loss of a member of our campus community. On Wednesday, Dec. 7, Richard Phillips, a School of Business student enrolled as an accounting major, was found dead at the scene of an automobile accident in Collingswood. This is an extraordinarily difficult time for Mr. Phillips’ family and friends. We share their sadness and extend our sincerest condolences. I encourage you to keep them in your thoughts.

Although I did not have the opportunity to know him well, I am told that Mr. Phillips was a highly valued classmate and a true friend. I know that his passing is keenly felt by all who know him. The entire Rutgers–Camden community mourns the loss of a friend, a classmate, and a student with such great potential. We all are affected profoundly by these events. Counseling is available for students, faculty and staff through our Health Services Office on the second floor of the Campus Center. I urge everyone who wishes to do so to avail themselves of these services. Health Services may be reached at 856-225-6005.

Additional details will be communicated as they become available.

Jai Ganesh