A 20-year-old college student from California, Qingyang Zhan, was found dead in a parking lot near the Frank J. Woods Bridge in Topsham, Maine. The victim was attending Bowdoin College, though police did not release her name. The incident was reported around 7 a.m. Sunday morning, with the woman’s body being taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. Officials are awaiting the results from the autopsy.
Zhan, also known as K, was born in Shanghai, China and had been living in the U.S. since 2019. She attended school in California before starting at Bowdoin College in the fall of 2021. Described by faculty members as bright and engaging, with a deep interest in theological and philosophical questions, Zhan’s death has been a devastating tragedy for her family, friends, classmates, and the entire Bowdoin community. The circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation.
Bowdoin College President Safa Zaki released a statement notifying the campus community of Zhan’s death and expressed the deep impact it has had on all those who knew her. Zaki emphasized the need to take care of oneself and each other during this difficult time. The college is offering extended counseling hours for students in the wake of Zhan’s death to provide support for those affected by the loss.
The Topsham Police do not believe there is a threat to the public in relation to Zhan’s death, and the investigation into the incident continues. Zaki’s statement highlighted the warmth and kindness that Zhan exhibited, as well as her academic interests in theological and philosophical questions. The community at Bowdoin College is grappling with the shock and sadness of losing a bright and engaging student like Zhan.
Zhan’s death has left many in the Bowdoin community heartbroken and without adequate words to convey the loss. Zaki expressed her condolences to Zhan’s family and called on everyone to come together to mourn the tragic loss. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to take advantage of the support resources available on campus to cope with the grief and process the loss of a beloved member of the community.
As the investigation into Zhan’s death continues, the focus remains on supporting those impacted by the loss. The extended counseling hours offered by the college are aimed at providing a space for students to come together, mourn, and seek comfort during this difficult time. The memory of Zhan’s warmth, kindness, and intellectual curiosity will be cherished by all who knew her and the legacy she leaves behind will endure in the hearts of the Bowdoin community.
