Lauren Blackburn: A Scholar and Writer Lost Too Soon

Lauren Blackburn, a 23-year-old junior majoring in English, was reported missing after last being seen at Firestone Library on April 19, 2025. Nearly a week later, on April 25, his body was found in Lake Carnegie, a man-made lake on Princeton’s campus. Blackburn was a recipient of the Sam Hutton Fund for the Arts, a former features writer for the student newspaper, and a member of New College West. He had previously been awarded the National Merit Scholarship and the Gates Scholarship as a high school student.

The cause of death has not yet been disclosed, and the campus community gathered to mourn his loss, with university officials offering counseling and support services. Blackburn’s passing has left a profound impact on his peers and faculty, who remember his academic achievements and contributions to campus life.

Sophia Jones: A Bright First-Year with an Incandescent Spirit

Sophia Jones, class of 2027, died by suicide on November 29, 2023. Originally from Chicago, Jones was a first-year student in Yeh College, planning to major in molecular biology and pursue a certificate in global health and health policy. She was an active member of the Princeton University Ballet, a passionate dancer, and a dedicated tutor through Princeton’s Science Outreach program.

Her parents, both Princeton alumni, described Sophia as someone who lifted people up and could carry her friends, her family-maybe the whole world-on her shoulders. Friends and family recall her warmth, sociability, and joy in helping others. The university community expressed deep condolences and emphasized the importance of seeking help for mental health struggles in the wake of her passing.

Jazz Chang: A Legacy of Excellence and Compassion

Jazz Chang, a member of the class of 2023, died in May 2022 due to mental health struggles. Chang was a full scholarship honors student, a Benjamin Gillman scholar, and had achieved a perfect score on the ACT. Friends and faculty described him as humble, energetic, curious, and deeply compassionate.

Chang’s death was one of several student suicides at Princeton in recent years, highlighting ongoing concerns about student mental health, especially among students of color and during periods of high academic stress. The university has since taken steps to expand and diversify its counseling services, recognizing the need for culturally competent support.

Reflections on Mental Health at Princeton

The deaths of Lauren Blackburn, Sophia Jones, and Jazz Chang are part of a troubling pattern at Princeton and other elite universities, where academic pressures and personal challenges can become overwhelming. In the past decade, a significant portion of student suicides at Princeton have involved students of color, and many have occurred during times of heightened academic stress.

Princeton has responded by increasing counseling resources, prioritizing diversity among mental health staff, and promoting outreach programs tailored to the needs of its diverse student body. However, these tragedies serve as a somber reminder that more work remains to be done to ensure every student feels supported and valued.

The memories of Lauren Blackburn, Sophia Jones, and Jazz Chang endure in the hearts of those who knew them. Their stories call for ongoing compassion, dialogue, and action to support student well-being and prevent further loss.