The Princeton University community is on high alert following the disappearance of Lauren Blackburn, a 23-year-old undergraduate student from Indiana. Blackburn, a member of the Class of 2026, was reported missing on Tuesday morning through a TigerAlert issued by the university’s Department of Public Safety. The alert urged anyone with information about Blackburn’s whereabouts to contact Public Safety immediately at 609-258-1000.
According to the alert, Blackburn was last seen around 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, near Firestone Library. At the time, he was reportedly wearing blue jeans with torn knees, a yellow T-shirt, a black zip-up hoodie, and blue shoes with flat soles. He is described as being 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Blackburn is originally from Indiana, where he graduated high school in 2019 and earned recognition as a National Merit Scholar. At Princeton, he is a member of New College West and has contributed to the features section of The Daily Princetonian. He was also recently selected for a fellowship through the Lewis Center for the Arts to support summer study, travel, or independent research.
Search Operation Underway Near Lake Carnegie
Authorities began an extensive search for Blackburn around midnight after his phone was detected in the area surrounding Lake Carnegie. The operation quickly escalated, with emergency vehicles converging on the lakefront near the Harrison Street bridge by late Tuesday morning.
At approximately 11:45 a.m., two red inflatable motorboats were seen being transported along Washington Road. A Trenton fire truck, along with other emergency response vehicles, was stationed at the lake, while drones were deployed overhead to assist with aerial surveillance. Search teams are using sonar equipment and have enlisted the help of K-9 units and drone teams from Hamilton Township.
The Department of Public Safety at Princeton University Community is leading the ongoing efforts, with support from local and regional law enforcement agencies. The university community remains on edge as the search continues.
Princeton University community Responds with Concern and Support
In a separate email sent to students and faculty on Tuesday afternoon, Vice President for Campus Life Rochelle Calhoun acknowledged the emotional impact of the developing situation and emphasized the availability of mental health and support services. “I understand that this is difficult news,” Calhoun wrote, encouraging students to seek support through the university’s Counseling and Psychological Services, the Office of Religious Life, residential colleges, and the Graduate School.
As the search for Lauren Blackburn continues, Princeton officials remain hopeful for a positive outcome and have reiterated the importance of community vigilance. Students, faculty, and staff are being asked to report any potentially helpful information that could assist in locating the missing student.
The university has pledged to keep the community updated as more information becomes available
