Authorities have confirmed that Owen Tillman Kenny, a 19-year-old student from the College of Charleston, who went missing on Halloween, took his own life. They are currently searching for his body.
Kenny, originally from New Jersey, was last seen by friends around 2 a.m. on October 31, near the intersection of King Street and Burns Lane.
His family noted that this location was just minutes from his residence. After several days of searching for him, police discovered video evidence indicating Kenny walked onto the Ravenel Bridge, where he tragically ended his life, as per Charleston police reports.
The Ravenel Bridge is located about three miles from where he was last seen.
The police chief, Tito Walker, emphasized the family’s situation, expressing that the focus should remain on supporting them during such an incredibly difficult time.
Various agencies are actively looking for Kenny’s remains in the Cooper River and nearby areas, including teams from the Charleston Police Department.
In addition to local efforts, assistance has been provided by federal and state agencies, including one from New Jersey.
Kenny was a graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. On Halloween, he was initially seen wearing a Boston Celtics jersey, but security footage indicated he was dressed in a black hoodie, lighter pants, and black sneakers with white soles as he approached the bridge.
His family mentioned that he has tattoos on his right forearm, left shoulder, left shin, and knee.
Interestingly, his phone last pinged near the bridge. His roommate, who attempted to trace him, was unable to do so as Kenny’s phone had died around when he disappeared.
If you are in New York City and need support due to suicidal thoughts or mental health struggles, you can contact 1-888-NYC-WELL for confidential assistance. For those outside the city, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached at 988 or by visiting the provided link.
