Authorities in Topsham, Maine, are investigating the tragic death of a 20-year-old woman from California who was attending Bowdoin College. The victim, identified as Qingyang Zhan, was found deceased in a parking lot near the Frank J. Woods Bridge on Sunday morning.
Police responded to a report of a deceased person at 2 Main St. around 7 a.m. The woman's body has been taken to the Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy, and officials are awaiting the results of the examination.
While the incident is still under investigation, authorities have stated that there is no perceived threat to the public at this time.
Bowdoin College President Safa Zaki released a statement informing the campus community of Zhan's passing. Described as a bright and engaging presence by faculty members, Zhan, also known as K, was a student deeply interested in theological and philosophical questions.
Zhan, who hailed from Shanghai, China, had been living in the U.S. since 2019 and began her studies at Bowdoin College in the fall of 2021. The college is providing extended counseling services for students in the wake of this tragic event.
Zaki expressed profound sadness over the loss, emphasizing the impact on Zhan's family, friends, classmates, and the entire Bowdoin community. The circumstances surrounding Zhan's death remain unclear, adding to the difficulty of processing this heartbreaking news.
As the community mourns the loss of a promising young student, Zaki urged everyone to take care of themselves and one another during this challenging time. The college community is coming together to support each other and honor the memory of Qingyang Zhan.
