Missing College Student on Halloween Found Dead in South Carolina

Body of student who went missing on Halloween found in South Carolina

Student vanished on Halloween

Police confirm young man’s identity

According to USA TODAY, authorities in South Carolina have confirmed the discovery of the body of Owen Tillman Kenney, a 19-year-old college student who went missing during the early morning hours of October 31, Halloween night.

The case, which had gripped the College of Charleston community, came to a tragic end after more than a week of searching.

According to a statement from the Charleston Police Department, the body was found in the waters near Patriots Point, a coastal area east of downtown Charleston.

The discovery occurred around 8:45 a.m. on November 8, when rescue units responded to a report of a body floating in the water.

Missing student identified after Halloween disappearance

WARNING: This post discusses suicide.

The body of Owen Tillman Kenney, a 19-year-old College of Charleston student who vanished on Halloween, was recovered on Saturday morning.

Kenney’s body was discovered in the water near Patriots Point in Charleston, South Carolina,… pic.twitter.com/0WQM4ZIj7m

— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) November 9, 2025

Shortly after, the remains were recovered and officially identified by the Charleston County Coroner’s Office as those of the missing student.

The confirmation ended more than a week of anguish and uncertainty for the young man’s family, friends, and classmates.

Owen Kenney had been reported missing on November 1, after his friends noticed he never returned home following a night out in downtown Charleston.

The student was last seen near King Street and Burns Lane, in the heart of the city, around 2 a.m.

Police investigation into Owen Tillman Kenney’s disappearance

Charleston student found dead on Halloween – Photo: Charleston Police Department

Shortly after, surveillance cameras captured him walking along the Ravenel pedestrian bridge, which connects downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant.

According to police, that was the last location recorded by his cellphone before he disappeared.

Authorities said the official cause and manner of death are pending autopsy results.

However, detectives have determined preliminarily that Kenney took his own life after walking across the Ravenel Bridge walkway.

Police thank community and request privacy

Charleston student found dead — Photo: Shutterstock

The Charleston Police Department clarified that, at this time, there is no evidence of criminal activity or third-party involvement in the student’s death.

Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker issued a statement expressing gratitude to everyone who participated in the search and recovery efforts.

“We hope this recovery brings some measure of comfort to a family suffering an unimaginable loss,” Walker said.

He also urged the community to respect the Kenney family’s privacy during this difficult time.

College of Charleston offers counseling support

Following confirmation of Owen Tillman Kenney’s death, the College of Charleston announced that psychological and emotional support is available for students, faculty, and staff affected by the news.

“Students can access help by contacting the Counseling Center,” the institution stated in a Facebook post.

The university also described Owen Kenney as a beloved and active member of its academic community.

The campus remained somber over the weekend as classmates lit candles and left flowers in his memory.

Halloween disappearance shocks South Carolina

According to Asbury Park Press, Owen Tillman Kenney graduated from a high school in Red Bank, New Jersey, before moving to South Carolina to pursue his college education.

News of his death has deeply affected both his hometown and the College of Charleston.

Family and friends have requested privacy as they grieve the young man’s loss.

Police are still awaiting autopsy results before officially closing the investigation.