Princeton Freshman Dies ‘Unexpectedly,’ According to University

Sophia Jones ’27 was from Chicago and planned to major in molecular biology

The sun rises over Princeton University campus buildings in 2014.

Princeton University, Office of Communications, Nick Barberio (2014)

By Julie Bonette

Published Nov. 30, 2023

1 min read

Sophia Jones ’27 “unexpectedly passed away” late on the night of Nov. 29, according to an email to the campus community from W. Rochelle Calhoun, vice president for campus life.

Further details, such as cause of death, were not immediately available.

“Our entire community is impacted by this tragedy and our hearts are heavy. We share our deepest condolences with Sophia’s family and friends,” Calhoun wrote.

Jones, a member of Yeh College, is originally from Chicago, according to an October Instagram post from Princeton University Ballet welcoming her to the company. She was planning to major in molecular biology with a certificate in global health and health policy.

PU Ballet

Calhoun’s email said a gathering was scheduled for 7 p.m. on Nov. 30 in Mannion Hall for those wishing to reflect and support one another. Staff from Counseling and Psychological Services, the Office of Religious Life, the residential colleges, and the Graduate School are also available for students seeking support, according to the message.

Jones is the third Princeton student to pass away this calendar year.

Jaqueline Gonzalez ’25 died in February after complications from a prolonged illness. In January, Maura Coursey, a first-year master’s in public affairs student at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), was found dead in her off-campus residence; the Middlesex County Medical Examiner determined her death was accidental and caused by “mixed drug toxicity.”

In October 2022, Misrach Ewunetie ’24 was found dead on campus; her death was later ruled a suicide. Justin Lim ’25 and Jazz Chang ’23 both passed away in May 2022 due to mental health struggles.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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1 Response

Liz Hallock ’02

8 Months Ago

Princeton Needs to Actively Engage with Students’ Mental Health

We should expect more out of Princeton in regards to providing mental health support services after the recent tragic death of a freshman. I did a simple internet search and found this incredibly beautiful and talented young woman was Ted Sorensen’s granddaughter — Sorensen was the brilliant speechwriter for Kennedy and Johnson who essentially wrote Profiles in Courage and helped write, “Ask not your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” The University and we, the Princeton community, have really failed our young students by not providing them with enough mental health education and resources. The elevation of over-achievement above mental well-being is a campus culture that needs to be actively challenged by the administration and faculty. Maybe it is time Princeton asks, what can Princeton do for students’ mental health, how can we show our students that they are worthy and loved, before we lose another talented young person?