A 20-year-old Bowdoin College student from California, Qingyang Zhan, was found dead in a parking lot near the Frank J. Woods Bridge in Topsham, Maine. The victim’s body was discovered on Sunday morning, and police responded to the scene after receiving a report of a deceased person. The identity of the student was confirmed by Bowdoin College President Safa Zaki, who described Zhan as a bright and engaging presence on campus. The woman’s body has been transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy, and officials are awaiting the results of the investigation. Police do not believe there is a threat to the public, and the incident remains under investigation.
Zhan, also known as K, was born in Shanghai, China, and had been living in the U.S. since 2019. She attended school in California before starting at Bowdoin College in the fall of 2021. Faculty members and Zhan’s academic advisor, Jean Yarbrough, remembered her as a student deeply interested in theological and philosophical questions. Zaki’s statement to the campus community acknowledged the devastating tragedy of Zhan’s death for her family, loved ones, friends, classmates, and the entire Bowdoin community. The college is offering extended counseling hours for students to process the loss and come together during this difficult time.
The circumstances of Zhan’s death are still unknown, and the community is urged to take care of themselves and others while mourning the loss. Zaki expressed her shock and heartbreak over the tragic news, emphasizing the profound impact of Zhan’s death on the Bowdoin community. She encouraged students to support each other and seek help if needed to cope with the emotional toll of the loss. The college is working to provide resources and support for students affected by Zhan’s passing.
The investigation into Zhan’s death is ongoing, and police are working to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the incident. Despite the tragic loss, officials do not believe there is a threat to the public. Zhan’s passing has deeply impacted the Bowdoin community, with faculty members and classmates mourning the loss of a bright and engaging student. The college is committed to supporting students during this difficult time and offering counseling services to help individuals cope with their grief.
Zhan’s death has left a profound impact on her loved ones, friends, classmates, and the entire Bowdoin community. The college community is coming together to mourn the loss of a promising young student and offer support to those affected by the tragedy. Zaki’s heartfelt condolences to Zhan’s family and the broader community reflect the sense of loss and sadness felt by all who knew and cared for Zhan. The college is working to provide a supportive environment for students as they process the news of Zhan’s passing and come to terms with the loss of a valued member of their community.
