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
King Charles and Queen Camilla attend lavish soirée raising money for the conservation charity founded by her late brother Mark Shand

“Royal Couple Supports Conservation Charity at Glamorous Fundraiser”

Queen Camilla became emotional tonight as guests at a charity function were…
Will There Be a Season 4 of ‘Will Trent’?

Is There Going to Be a Season 4 of the Show ‘Will Trent’?

Our streaming schedules are about to be thrown into disarray because a…
State Department approves sale of $1.4B worth of helicopters, F-16 parts to UAE ahead of Trump's visit

“US State Department Gives Green Light for $1.4B Sale of Helicopters and F-16 Parts to UAE before Trump’s Arrival”

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale worth over $1.4…
Rapper Tory Lanez's alleged prison attacker is man with previous conviction for assault on inmate

Tory Lanez’s alleged attacker in jail is a man with a history of assaulting inmates

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Officials announced on Tuesday that a man who…
Wisconsin judge Hannah Dugan indicted by grand jury in immigration case, allowing charges to continue

Hannah Dugan, a Wisconsin judge, charged by grand jury in immigration case, ensuring legal process moves forward

MADISON, Wis. — A federal grand jury indicted Wisconsin judge, Hannah Dugan,…
What's happened to Sean Penn? Fans horrified by Hollywood star's appearance as he makes bombshell claims

Fans are shocked by Sean Penn’s changed appearance and surprising statements

Sean Penn’s fans were shocked by the actor’s ‘rough’ appearance on the Louis…
ESPN’s New Streaming Service Sets Launch For Fall 2025 — And You’ll Never Guess Its Name

ESPN’s upcoming streaming service is scheduled to launch in fall 2025, revealed the name. Can you guess what it is?

ESPN is prepping its stream team — and it’s almost game time.…
Mood flips at Columbia U after quashing of latest protest, Trump pressure takes hold

Columbia University experiences changes in mood after ending recent protest, influenced by pressure from Trump

Anti-Israel protesters recently attempted to take over a library at Columbia University,…
Qatar Signs Big, Beautiful Deal With Boeing for 160 Aircraft

Qatar Makes Major Agreement with Boeing for 160 Airplanes

Qatar has just inked a deal with Boeing that could amount to…
Outrage as white cop convicted of assaulting black woman during arrest is given sweetheart plea deal

Anger sparked as white police officer who attacked black woman during arrest receives favorable plea agreement

A police officer, who is white, initially faced a felony charge for…
Chef José Andrés serves up a taste of Mexico in Manhattan's Hudson Yards

Chef José Andrés offers a sampling of Mexican flavors at Hudson Yards in Manhattan

MIDTOWN, Manhattan — Oyamel is a Mexican restaurant located in Hudson Yards,…
WWII Veteran lived on one penny a day. He then rose to prominence as a Houston attorney.

From Living on One Penny a Day to Prominence: WWII Veteran’s Journey to Becoming a Houston Attorney

In Houston, Texas, 101-year-old Ralph Abercia has a lifelong passion for dancing.…