Princeton student missing for days as possible key clue leads police to lake

Princeton University and its Department of Public Safety are currently on the lookout for a 23-year-old student who disappeared on April 19 after he was last spotted near a campus library.

Lauren Blackburn, 23, of Indiana, was spotted near the Firestone Library around 6 p.m. Saturday before his disappearance. 

The student is a former staff writer for the university’s newspaper, The Daily Princetonian.

The Vice President for Student Life, W. Rochelle Calhoun, stated in an email to students that she will provide an update as soon as more information becomes available and urged everyone to keep Lauren in their thoughts as efforts are made to find him, as reported by the student newspaper.

Lauren Blackburn's headshot

Princeton University student Lauren Blackburn has been missing from campus since Saturday, April 19. (Princeton University)

Blackburn, who had been known as an outstanding high school student, was selected as one of 2,500 students for the National Merit Scholarship in 2019 before commencing his studies at Princeton, as noted in a report by WAVE.

“He can read a book and know everything in it,” Kate Robinson, an English teacher at Corydon Central High School, told the outlet at the time. “I’m pretty sure he has a photographic memory.”

Blackburn seen in a yellow-orange t-shirt on surveillance footage

Blackburn was last seen “in the vicinity of Firestone Library wearing blue jeans with torn knees, a yellow t-shirt with a black, zippered hooded sweatshirt, and blue, flat bottom shoes,” Princeton said. (Princeton University)

Authorities reportedly began searching near Lake Carnegie in Princeton, saying a missing person’s phone was pinging in the area, according to WPVI.

Blackburn is 6-foot-2, weighs 170 pounds, and was last seen wearing blue jeans with tears in the knees, a yellow T-shirt and a black, zippered hooded sweatshirt. He has brown eyes and black hair.

Birds-eye view of Princeton University's campus

Princeton University authorities are searching near Lake Carnegie, saying a missing person’s phone was pinging in the area, according to WPVI. (iStock)

Authorities are asking anyone with information about Blackburn’s whereabouts to contact the Department of Public Safety at (609) 258-1000.

Fox News Digital reached out to Princeton University for updates in the search on Wednesday morning.

You May Also Like
Bryan Kohberger prosecutors will let victims’ families speak, no lay witnesses for sentencing if convicted

Victims’ Families Allowed to Speak at Bryan Kohberger Sentencing if Convicted

The prosecuting attorney in the Bryan Kohberger case, who is accused of…
Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV, new leader of Catholic Church in Vatican City, has family tree that shows Black roots in New Orleans

Pope Leo XIV, who is from Chicago, is the Vatican City’s new Catholic Church leader and has ancestors with Black heritage from New Orleans.

CHICAGO — Robert Francis Prevost, the Chicago-born man who became Pope Leo…
Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi speaks on decision to run for US Senate to replace Senator Dick Durbin: ABC7 EXCLUSIVE

“Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Discusses US Senate Run to Succeed Senator Dick Durbin in ABC7 Exclusive Interview”

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (WLS) — Illinois U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi recently spoke exclusively…
 'Rivals' season two: See behind-the-scenes clip as cast gathers for first table read

Exploring ‘Rivals’ Season Two: Get a Sneak Peek of the Cast as They Gather for the First Table Read

LOS ANGELES — The Cotswolds are calling and “Rivals” is answering. Filming…
Pope Leo XIV’s brother reacts to his historic election: ‘There are no words’

Pope Leo XIV’s brother overwhelmed by his historic election

The sibling of the recently elected Pope Leo XIV, who made history…
‘Doctor Odyssey’ Episode 17: A Tidal Wave And A Tsunami Of Guest Stars Including Jim O’Heir and Christopher Gorham

Exciting new guests Jim O’Heir and Christopher Gorham in Episode 17 of ‘Doctor Odyssey’: A Story of Waves

If this really is the end for Doctor Odyssey, Ryan Murphy is…
New cold front? Kashmir standoff raises specter of US-China proxy fight

Potential clash between United States and China through involvement in Kashmir conflict raises concerns of a new cold front.

The tensions between India and Pakistan regarding the disputed region of Kashmir…
Pope Leo XIV 'looked the other way' when confronted with child sex abuse allegations against priest in his Chicago church

Pope Leo XIV ignored child abuse claims against priest in Chicago church

The newly-elected Pope Leo XIV is facing accusations of ‘looking the other…
Trump and Kemp Strategize for Georgia Senate Race—Here’s What’s at Stake in 2026

Trump and Kemp Plan for Georgia Senate Race – Understanding the Importance of the 2026 Election

The upcoming 2026 midterm elections may seem far away, but the competition…
Everything you need to know about Kai Trump: The family’s fastest rising star

All about Kai Trump: The family’s rising star who is making quick progress

Everything you should know about Kai Trump, the quickly emerging star in…
Clarendon Hills, Illinois small business The Park Planners helps families plan, book trips to Disney, other amusement parks

Small Business in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, The Park Planners, Assists Families in Planning and Booking Trips to Disney and Other Amusement Parks

CLARENDON HILLS, Ill. (WLS) — If Disney is the happiest place on…
Fonco Studios offers the tools, talent and space to bring big Hollywood ideas to life

“Fonco Studios: Your go-to destination for bringing Hollywood’s grand ideas to reality”

LOS ANGELES — For those who have a great idea but feel…