Police report missing South Carolina college student Owen Kenney died by suicide.
Authorities in South Carolina have transitioned their focus from search operations to recovery efforts concerning Owen Kenney, a 19-year-old college student from Red Bank, New Jersey. The Charleston Police Department disclosed on Thursday that the young man died by suicide in the early hours of Halloween.
Kenney was last seen by friends at approximately 2 a.m. on October 31 after attending a Halloween celebration in downtown Charleston. Surveillance footage later indicated that Kenney was alone and walking around shortly after 3 a.m. The police confirmed that he walked onto the pedestrian walkway of the Ravenel Bridge, which spans the Cooper River, and tragically took his own life shortly thereafter, at around 3:49 a.m.
The Charleston Police Department stated that this conclusion was corroborated through direct observation from video evidence. However, authorities have released few additional details pertaining to the circumstances surrounding his death, emphasizing the importance of respecting the privacy of Kenney’s family during this distressing time.
Police Chief Chito Walker expressed the department’s commitment to prioritizing the needs of Kenney’s family, highlighting the painful reality they are facing. He stated that the community must show compassion, privacy, and support for the family as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
The recovery efforts are being led by the police department’s Underwater Recovery Team in conjunction with the Harbor Patrol and an Unmanned Aerial System Team. Initial search operations involved assistance from the FBI and the New Jersey State Police, reflecting the seriousness and scale of the situation.
In a demonstration of solidarity, hundreds of students and staff from the College of Charleston gathered for a vigil on campus to pray for Owen Kenney’s safe return prior to the recent confirmation of his death. This gathering serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of such a tragedy on the community, as friends, fellow students, and faculty come together to honor Kenney’s memory.
As the investigation and recovery efforts proceed, the focus remains on providing support and compassion to those affected by this heartbreaking incident. The Charleston community is left grappling with the profound implications of such a loss, emphasizing the need for open dialogue surrounding mental health and the well-being of students.
