Sophomore Jefferson Voelker ’28 Died While on Leave from Princeton

Jefferson Voelker ’28, a member of New College West from Boiceville, New York, died while on leave from Princeton, the University announced in an email Tuesday. The date or cause of death was not disclosed.

He is the third student or postdoctoral researcher at Princeton to die this academic year, and the 13^th in the past five years.

Voelker appears to have little to no digital footprint online; he is listed as a member of the Princeton Garden Theatre honor roll.

“We know that every member of our community joins us in sending condolences to Jefferson’s family and friends and in wishing them strength,” Dean Regan Crotty ’00 wrote in an email to the campus community.

An opportunity for students to reflect on Voelker's life will be hosted on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the home of New College West Head AnneMarie Luijendijk in José E. Feliciano Hall.

“During difficult times like these, we encourage you to reach out to one another for connection and consolation, and to call on University resources when you need support,” Crotty wrote.

Students are allowed to take leave from Princeton for a variety of reasons, including to address health concerns, travel, pursue professional or volunteer opportunities, reassess academic or career paths, fulfill military requirements, and spend time with family. The University did not note how long Voelker had been on leave.

In the message, Crotty encouraged students who wish to speak with a counselor to call 609-258-3141. She also reminded faculty and staff that they may speak with a licensed professional at AllOneHealth (formerly Carebridge) by calling 800-451-1834. Additional information regarding resources is available on the TigerLife website.

PAW will update this story as more information becomes available.