Princeton University Student Deaths: What's The Cause?

In October 2022, 20-year-old Princeton University student Misrach Ewunetie was found dead on campus. Ewunetie, a junior sociology major, was last seen in the early hours of October 14 and was reported missing shortly after. Her body was found on October 20 near the university's tennis courts. An autopsy by the Middlesex Regional Medical Examiner's Office determined that Ewunetie died from an overdose of antidepressants and an antihistamine, specifically bupropion, escitalopram, and hydroxyzine toxicity. Her death was ruled a suicide.

Misrach Ewunetie, 20, was found dead near tennis courts

The death of 20-year-old Princeton University student Misrach Ewunetie was ruled a suicide by the Middlesex Regional Medical Examiner's Office. Ewunetie was found dead near the university's tennis courts on October 20, 2022, a week after she was reported missing. An autopsy revealed that she died from "bupropion, escitalopram and hydroxyzine toxicity". Bupropion and escitalopram are antidepressants, and hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that can be used to treat anxiety.

Ewunetie was last seen by her roommates in the early hours of October 14, 2022, after she returned to her dorm at 3 am. When she could not be accounted for later that morning, her family notified the university's Public Safety Department, and an extensive search was conducted. This included the use of helicopters, drones, and watercraft.

Ewunetie was a junior sociology major from Euclid, Ohio. She was valedictorian of her high school and had received a full scholarship to Princeton. She was also involved in extracurricular activities, including volunteering at the Terrace Club, one of the school's 11 private eating clubs. The club is non-private and requires only membership sign-up; it is not officially associated with the university. These clubs provide upperclassmen with a space to eat lunches and participate in various activities.

Following Ewunetie's death, the university sent out a notice to students, stating that there was no evidence that her death was a murder, but that they would be tightening security on campus and enhancing lighting and security-camera programs. The university also offered condolences to Ewunetie's family and friends and acknowledged the impact of her death on the wider campus community.

Her death was ruled a suicide

In October 2022, 20-year-old Princeton University student Misrach Ewunetie was found dead near the university's tennis courts, several days after she was reported missing. Ewunetie, a junior sociology major and volunteer at Princeton's Terrace Club, was from Euclid, Ohio, and had received a full scholarship to Princeton.

Ewunetie's death was ruled a suicide by the Middlesex Regional Medical Examiner's Office, which determined that she had died from an overdose of "bupropion, escitalopram, and hydroxyzine toxicity." Bupropion and escitalopram are antidepressants, and hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that can be used to treat anxiety.

In the wake of Ewunetie's death, Princeton students expressed fears that a murderer could be on campus, especially after it was revealed that the dorm room door of another student, sophomore Mikayla Merin, had been removed from its hinges by a man who also left a disturbing note shortly before Ewunetie's death. However, prior to the autopsy report, police attempted to ease concerns by stating that there were no "obvious signs of injury" and that Ewunetie's death did not appear suspicious or criminal in nature. The university also sent notices to students stating that there was no evidence that Ewunetie's death was a murder and that they were enhancing security measures on campus.

Ewunetie's death shook the Princeton community, with the university offering condolences to her family and friends and affirming the importance of student safety. The university also encouraged students to seek support and resources during this challenging time.

An overdose of antidepressants and an antihistamine

Antidepressants are a type of medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. They are generally safe and effective when used as prescribed, but it is possible to overdose on them. An overdose occurs when an individual takes a higher dosage of the drug than recommended, either accidentally or intentionally. In the case of Misrach Ewunetie, a 20-year-old Princeton University student, an overdose of antidepressants and an antihistamine led to her tragic death.

Ewunetie's body was found on October 20, 2022, near the university's tennis courts, several days after she went missing. An autopsy revealed that she died from "bupropion, escitalopram, and hydroxyzine toxicity." Bupropion and escitalopram are antidepressants, while hydroxyzine is an antihistamine. While the cause of death was ruled a suicide, it highlights the dangers of antidepressant and antihistamine overdose.

The symptoms of an antidepressant overdose can range from mild to severe and may include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, fever, rapid heartbeat, headaches, tremors, seizures, respiratory distress, and coma. In some cases, an overdose can lead to serotonin syndrome, which occurs when too much serotonin builds up in the body due to the combination of certain medications. Serotonin syndrome can be fatal if left untreated.

It is important to note that the safe dosage of antidepressants varies from person to person and should always be determined by a doctor. Taking a higher dosage than prescribed or mixing antidepressants with other medications, alcohol, or drugs can increase the risk of overdose and severe side effects. If an overdose is suspected, it is crucial to seek emergency medical attention immediately, even if the symptoms appear mild.

While less common, it is also possible to overdose on antihistamines, which are typically used to treat allergies. Antihistamines can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision. In rare cases, an overdose of antihistamines can lead to serious health issues, including seizures, irregular heartbeat, and respiratory depression. Therefore, it is essential to take any medication as directed by a healthcare professional and to be aware of the potential risks and side effects.

An autopsy by the Middlesex Regional Medical Examiner's Office

An autopsy by the Middlesex Regional Medical Examiners Office determined that the Princeton University student, Misrach Ewunetie, died from "bupropion, escitalopram and hydroxyzine toxicity". Bupropion and escitalopram are antidepressants, and hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that can be used to treat anxiety. Ewunetie's death was ruled a suicide by the medical examiner's office.

Ewunetie, a 20-year-old junior sociology major from Euclid, Ohio, was found dead by the university's tennis courts on October 20, 2022, nearly a week after she was reported missing. Her body was discovered by an employee behind the tennis courts on the university's New Jersey campus. Prior to the autopsy report, police had stated that there were no "obvious signs of injury" and that her death did not appear suspicious or criminal in nature.

The university notified students via email when Ewunetie went missing, and an extensive search was conducted, including the use of a helicopter, drones, and watercraft. Ewunetie's family had notified the university's Public Safety Department that they had not heard from her in several days and requested a well-being check. Her brother, Universe Ewunetie, stated that their family is originally from Ethiopia and that Misrach grew up in Euclid, Ohio. She was a valedictorian of her high school and had received a full scholarship to Princeton.

The university issued a statement following the autopsy report, expressing condolences to Ewunetie's family and friends, as well as to the wider campus community impacted by the tragedy. The statement also emphasized the importance of campus safety and noted that the university was taking steps to enhance security and lighting at night, as well as improve security-camera programs. In the wake of Ewunetie's death, students may have fears about a potential murderer on campus, especially after an incident involving the dorm room of another student, Mikayla Merin, who went missing shortly before Ewunetie. To address these concerns, the university plans to organize events for students to gather and support each other.

No signs of injury, not suspicious or criminal

In October 2022, 20-year-old Princeton University student Misrach Ewunetie was found dead on campus, near the university's tennis courts. Ewunetie, a junior sociology major, was originally from Euclid, Ohio, and had been reported missing a week before her body was found.

An autopsy by the Middlesex Regional Medical Examiner's Office determined that Ewunetie died from "bupropion, escitalopram, and hydroxyzine toxicity." Bupropion and escitalopram are antidepressants, and hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that can also be used to treat anxiety. Her death was ruled a suicide.

Prior to the autopsy report, police noted that there were no "obvious signs of injury" and that Ewunetie's death did not appear suspicious or criminal. The university sent out notices to students assuring them that there was no evidence that Ewunetie's death was a murder. However, the school also announced that it would be tightening up security on campus and enhancing lighting and security-camera programs.

Ewunetie's death was not the first suicide at Princeton University. In 2022, seven Princeton students died from various causes, including two freshmen who died by suicide. The university community has been encouraged to support each other and seek help and resources as needed.

Frequently asked questions