BETHLEHEM, Pa — The body of a 19-year-old Lehigh University sophomore, missing since Jan. 20, was recovered in the Lehigh River, the Northampton County coroner said.
Coroner Zachary Lysek ruled that Daniel Lee, whose body was found last week, died of drowning and that his manner of death was suicide.
- The body of a Lehigh University sophomore missing since Jan. 20 was found in the Lehigh River, officials said Wednesday
- Daniel Lee died of drowning and his manner of death was suicide, Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek ruled
- A letter Lehigh President Joseph Helbe issued Wednesday referenced "struggle with mental health" and recommended those who are struggling call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988
The university previously said foul play was not suspected in the disappearance of Lee, an engineering student.
“After a concerted search effort last winter failed to provide any information about his disappearance, we received confirmation today that a body recovered in the Lehigh River last week was Daniel’s,” Lehigh President Joseph Helble wrote in a letter issued Wednesday.
Lehigh said university representatives "have been in contact with Daniel’s family, and our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with his family, friends and loved ones."
The letter also mentioned “struggling with mental health” and recommended that those who are struggling call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
“The lack of definitive information surrounding Daniel’s disappearance has been especially hard on those close to him, and the loss of a student is upsetting for our entire Lehigh community,” Helbe wrote.
Vice President for Student Affairs Ricardo Hall had said in a previous statement that local law enforcement from Lee's hometown in New Jersey had assisting Bethlehem and Lehigh police with the search.
The student's phone and credit cards have not been used since he went missing, and foul play was not suspected, Hall had said.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
