The body of a Princeton University student was recovered at Lake Carnegie on April 25, six days after he was last seen near the university’s Firestone Library.
An initial water rescue search was launched for Princeton University junior Lauren Blackburn on April 21, after a cellphone – which was thought to belong to Blackburn – was found to be pinging near the lake, according to published reports in The Daily Princetonian student newspaper.
First responders were dispatched to Lake Carnegie shortly before 8:30 a.m. April 25 for a water rescue recovery assignment. South Harrison Street, between Hartley Avenue and Route 1, was closed to traffic for approximately two hours.
Regan Crotty, Princeton University’s dean of Undergraduate Students, announced to the university community that Blackburn’s body had been recovered.
“I am deeply saddened to share with you that the body of Lauren Blackburn ’26 was found at Lake Carnegie this morning. Our hearts are heavy and we share our deepest condolences with Lauren’s family and friends,” Crotty wrote.
“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,” he wrote.
Counseling was made available to students and staff through Princeton University’s Counseling and Psychological Services and the Office of Religious Life.
