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Prosecutor releases results of autopsy report in death of Princeton University student whose body was found on campus in October

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis, or emotional distress, reach out 24/7 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at suicidepreventionlifeline.org to connect to a trained crisis counselor. You can also get crisis text support via the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741741.

Princeton University student Misrach Ewunetie died by suicide, officials announced on Wednesday, Dec. 28, more than two months after her body was found on campus.

Ewunetie went missing in the early morning hours of Oct. 14. Her family reported her missing on Oct. 16 after not hearing from her. A search for her began on Oct. 17, and her body was discovered outside on facilities grounds behind the tennis courts at the school on Oct. 20.

An autopsy was conducted by the Middlesex Regional Medical Examiner’s Office and her death was ruled a suicide after toxicology reports came back showing toxic levels of two antidepressants and an antihistamine in her system. There was no evidence of foul play, according to Middlesex Medical Examiner’s report. Ewunetie had a clinical history of major depressive order and anxiety disorder, according to the report. According to the report, Ewunetie had at least 59 pills and pill fragments in her system, and empty pill bottles were found in her dorm room. Her blood alcohol level was .084, which is just past the legal limit for impairment in New Jersey. 

“Our hearts go to Misrach’s family and friends, and to the wider campus community that has been shaken by this tragedy,” said Rochelle Calhoun, vice president for campus life, in a statement about the autopsy report on Wednesday, Dec. 28. “Losing a member of our community is always difficult. The long wait for definitive news about what led to her death has been challenging for all of us, and especially for those close to Misrach.”

In an Oct. 20 press release, the Mercer County Prosecutor announced that Ewunetie, who had been a junior, was found dead behind the tennis courts and that “there were no obvious signs of injury, and her death does not appear suspicious or criminal in nature.” An autopsy was conducted on Oct. 21.  

Security increased on campus after Ewunetie’s death and a separate incident in which a man posing as a worker broke into a student’s dorm room by drilling the door off its hinges. The man left the student a note.

New security measures included restricting access to residential college dorms and locking common areas in residential colleges, as well as plans to enhance campus lighting and security cameras.   

Ewunetie
Misrach Ewunetie

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis, or emotional distress, reach out 24/7 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at suicidepreventionlifeline.org to connect to a trained crisis counselor. You can also get crisis text support via the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741741.

Avatar of Krystal Knapp

Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.