Police in Topsham Maine are investigating the death of a 20-year-old Chinese exchange student whose body was discovered in a parking lot.
Bowdoin College identified her in a campus wide email as Qingyang Zhan of Shanghai, reported The Press Herald.
Known as “K,” she had been living in the United States since 2019 and most recently had been in Southern California attending Oxnard College before enrolling at Bowdoin in 2021.
“Faculty members describe K as a bright and engaging presence, and many will remember her warmth and kindness,” University President Safa Zaki wrote in his message Sunday.
WMTW reports police received a report Sunday at 7 a.m. of a body discovered in a parking lot near the Frank J. Woods Bridge.
The cause of death is still being investigated, but authorities do not believe there is a danger to the public.
According to the Bangor Daily News, she double majored in legal and Asian studies and founded the school’s Chinese Students Association and was also active in the Asian Students Association.
The parking lot where her body was found has been used to store construction equipment to work on the Frank J. Wood Bridge.
“K’s death is a devastating tragedy for her parents, her brother, other loved ones, and also for her friends, classmates, and our entire Bowdoin community. This news is very difficult to process, especially since we do not yet know the circumstances of K’s death. Please take care of yourselves and of others and take advantage of the opportunities to come together,” Zaki said.
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