Body Found of College of Charleston Student Who Disappeared on Halloween
The body of a 19-year-old student from the College of Charleston was discovered Saturday morning after he disappeared near his home in South Carolina on Halloween. Police have now confirmed that Owen Tillman Kenney took his own life.
His body was located in the water close to Patriots Point at around 8:45 a.m., following a thorough search lasting several days, according to the Charleston Police Department.
Charleston Police Chief Tito Walker expressed gratitude to those who were involved in the search efforts. “We hope this recovery provides some closure to a family that has faced an unimaginable loss. We kindly ask that you continue to respect the Kenny family’s privacy during this tough time,” he stated.
Owen, a resident of Tinton Falls, N.J., was last seen by friends just after 2 a.m. on October 31, not far from King Street and Burns Lane—just minutes from his home. His family reportedly is deeply heartbroken over the situation.
Police noted that surveillance footage captured Kenney walking alone on the sidewalk of the Ravenel Bridge, approximately three miles away from where he was seen last, shortly after 3 a.m. This was around the same time his cell phone last pinged from that location.
After about a week of searching, authorities reported that video evidence confirmed Kenney had died by suicide on the bridge walkway at 3:49 a.m., and recovery operations were initiated.
Kenney was a recent graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School in New Jersey and had started his studies at the College of Charleston. College President Andrew T. Hsu issued a statement Saturday saying, “There are no words to ease the loss of such a young and promising individual.”
He added, “Now is the time to support his family with love and to assist friends and classmates as they grieve. We remind each other that nobody in our campus community has to carry this burden alone. Students affected by this tragedy are encouraged to seek help through our Counseling Center.”
Those in New York City struggling with suicidal thoughts can contact 1-888-NYC-WELL for confidential support. For individuals outside of the five boroughs, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, reachable at 988, is available at all times.
