Charleston College Student Confirmed Deceased

Charleston Police confirmed on November 6-7, 2025, that 19-year-old College of Charleston student Owen Tillman Kenney, who went missing after a Halloween party near campus, was found dead. The confirmation shifts the focus of the multi-agency effort to a recovery operation.

Story Highlights

19-year-old Owen Kenney, a College of Charleston student, was confirmed to have taken his own life.
Kenney was last seen on the Ravenel Bridge via video footage on October 31.
The College of Charleston and Charleston Police have offered support to affected students and families.
The incident has prompted institutional discussions regarding mental health resources in higher education.

Confirmation of Event

On November 6-7, Charleston Police confirmed the death of Owen Tillman Kenney, a 19-year-old College of Charleston student originally from Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Kenney had been reported missing after attending a Halloween event near campus. His last recorded location was the Ravenel Bridge, via video footage captured just before 4 a.m. on October 31. The police announcement has designated the ongoing effort as a recovery operation.

Kenney’s disappearance initiated a search operation involving several agencies, including the Charleston Police, FBI, and New Jersey State Police. The case has drawn attention to the need for accessible mental health support systems within college communities.

Police say that newly recovered video evidence confirms that Owen Kenney (19) took his own life after walking onto the Ravenel Bridge pedestrian walkway around 3:49am on October 31st in Charleston, South Carolina. This has now shifted to a recovery mission. 💔 #MissingPerson pic.twitter.com/nApt3FAsWI

— Rose (@901Lulu) November 7, 2025

Community and Institutional Response

The College of Charleston has made counseling services readily available to students and staff affected by the loss. Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker has released a statement emphasizing the importance of privacy and respect for Kenney’s family during this period.

The incident has led to further conversations regarding the critical need for early intervention and accessible mental health resources for students. The College of Charleston and the local community are encouraging compassion and support for those navigating this challenging time, and institutions are prompted to evaluate and enhance their existing mental health services and crisis response protocols.

Watch the report: Charleston college student Owen Kenney last seen on Halloween | Morning in America