Missing Princeton Student's Body Recovered From Lake Carnegie On Friday

PRINCETON, NJ – The body of a missing Princeton student was recovered Friday morning from Lake Carnegie, University officials said. Authorities did not share any other details surrounding the death.

Lauren Blackburn was last seen at about 6 p.m. April 19, in the vicinity of Firestone Library wearing blue jeans with torn knees, a yellow t-shirt with a black, zippered hooded sweatshirt, and blue, flat-bottom shoes.

Emergency responders deployed to Lake Carnegie on Tuesday morning as part of a search operation.

The search began around midnight Tuesday after authorities detected a missing person's phone signal in the vicinity.

Blackburn, an Indiana native, is a former features writer for the student newspaper The Daily Princetonian.

Regan Crotty, Dean of Undergraduate Students, sent a message to students, calling Blackburn’s death a "tragic loss for our community."

“Our hearts are heavy and we share our deepest condolences with Lauren’s family and friends. It is during these difficult times that we must draw strength and support from one another and from those in our community who are available to us for counsel and care,” Crotty said.

The University is offering students counseling and psychological services in the wake of Blackburn's death. The Office of Religious Life chaplains, residential college staff, and Graduate School staff will also be at hand to offer support.

Faculty and staff can seek support by calling Carebridge at (800) 437-0911.

“We know that every member of our community joins us in sending our condolences to Lauren’s family, friends, and loved ones and in wishing them strength in this most difficult time,” Crotty said.

Law enforcement agencies from several Mercer towns were involved in the search for Blackburn.

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