The university community is mourning the passing of Lauren Blackburn, a member of the Class of 2026. Blackburn died last week at Lake Carnegie at the age of 23. He was an English major and creative writing minor from Corydon, Indiana, having graduated from Corydon Central High School as a National Merit Scholar and Gates Scholar.
During his time at Princeton, Blackburn received the Sam Hutton Fund for the Arts, supporting his summer study, travel, and independent research at the Lewis Center for the Arts. He was a member of New College West and participated actively in campus activities, including table tennis, the Korean Literature Club, and the Korean Student Association. He also contributed to The Daily Princetonian.
Blackburn is survived by his parents, Soonhee and Martin Blackburn, and siblings Elisabeth, Colin, Cardon, and Quincy Blackburn.
A funeral service is scheduled for May 4 at 5 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Corydon, Indiana, with visitation from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the church. Gifts in his memory may be directed to the International Bipolar Foundation.
The university has expressed its condolences to the Blackburn family. On its Campus Life website, the family has conveyed their “profound gratitude” for the “outpouring of love, prayers and well wishes” from the Princeton community.
Last Friday, the university organized an on-campus gathering for students to reflect and support each other. Students are encouraged to reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services, Office of Religious Life chaplains, residential college staff, and Graduate School staff. Faculty and staff can contact Carebridge for support.
