Princeton University Searches for Missing Student Lauren Blackburn

Princeton, New Jersey — Authorities continue to search for 23-year-old student Lauren Blackburn, who went missing on April 19. Blackburn was last seen near Firestone Library around 6 p.m. that Saturday.

Blackburn, a former staff writer for the university newspaper, is described as a distinguished student. As a high school senior, he was recognized as a National Merit Scholar in 2019. His English teacher, Kate Robinson, praised his strong listening skills, saying, ‘He can read a book and know everything in it.’

According to Princeton University, Blackburn was last spotted wearing blue jeans with torn knees, a yellow T-shirt, and a black, zippered hooded sweatshirt. He is 6-foot-2 and weighs approximately 170 pounds, with brown eyes and short black hair.

The university’s Department of Public Safety has begun searching Lake Carnegie after Blackburn’s phone reportedly pinged in the area. “Please hold Lauren in your thoughts as we attempt to locate him,” said W. Rochelle Calhoun, vice president for student life, in an email to students.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about Blackburn’s whereabouts to reach out to the Department of Public Safety at (609) 258-1000. Efforts to locate him are ongoing, and updates from the Department of Public Safety are expected as the search continues.