Kexin Cai, a missing Dartmouth College student, was found dead in the Connecticut River several days after she was last seen. A fisherman alerted authorities to a sighting along the river in Windsor, Vermont, leading to the discovery of Cai’s body. Police stated that their preliminary investigation indicated no foul play. Cai, a 26-year-old doctoral student, was reported missing on May 17 after she was last seen leaving her residence on an e-bike on May 15. Surveillance footage showed her heading south on NH RT 10 toward West Lebanon.
Local law enforcement agencies, along with Dartmouth Safety and Security and other organizations, conducted an extensive search for Cai in the Boston Lot and Wilder Dam areas following her disappearance. Cai, a Chinese native, had admitted herself to the campus medical clinic before she went missing due to a mental health crisis. She was described as an exceptionally gifted and humble researcher with a special interest in communication challenges in autism. Cai was known for her love of cats and had a passion for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and road trips in the Upper Valley.
The search for Cai involved multiple agencies and volunteers, including the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and good Samaritans. Despite the efforts made to locate her, it was ultimately a fisherman who discovered her body in the Connecticut River. The police department’s preliminary investigation did not suggest any foul play was involved in Cai’s death. The community mourned the loss of the second-year doctoral student, with many remembering her as a dedicated scholar with a kind and sweet personality.
Cai’s disappearance and subsequent death have shed light on mental health challenges among students and the importance of providing support and resources for those in need. The tragic incident has prompted discussions about the pressures faced by students and the need for better mental health services on college campuses. Cai’s adviser and colleagues remembered her as a talented researcher with a passion for her work and the region where she had made her home. Her love of cats and outdoor activities was a defining part of her personality and interests.
As the investigation into Cai’s death continues, authorities are working to understand the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and the events that led to her tragic demise. The community has come together to mourn her loss and honor her memory, reflecting on the impact she had during her time at Dartmouth College. The search efforts and subsequent discovery of her body serve as a reminder of the need to support individuals experiencing mental health challenges and to prioritize the well-being of students in academic settings. Cai’s story has sparked reflection and conversation about mental health awareness and the importance of being proactive in helping those in need.
