ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell University first-year student Shawn West was found deceased on campus Friday afternoon after being reported missing earlier this week.
Cornell University VP of Student Life Ryan Lombardi published a statement around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday confirming that West’s body had been discovered. West was 18 years old.
“On behalf of the Cornell community, I extend my deepest condolences to Shawn’s parents and family, including his sister who is a Cornell alumna, as well as his friends and peers,” Lombardi said. “Please keep them in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
West was found deceased in a residence hall room but no other information is being released per his family’s request.
In the statement from Cornell University Student and Campus Life, West was described as a promising young computer coder who enjoyed developing video games and refurbishing video game consoles. He also maintained an interest in the human impacts of technology and the relationship between users and devices. In his free time, West practiced photography and composed poetry using a classic Royal typewriter.
He was involved in several clubs and activities, some of which include the Office of Spirituality and Meaning-Making, Skateboarding Club and Zen Meditation at Cornell.
West had been reported missing on April 8 in an email to the campus community from Lombardi. According to police at the time, West was last seen on April 6 in his North Campus residence hall, but was then reported missing by a family member in New York City.