Eliana Peterson,University of South Carolina First-Year Student Mourns Student Who Passed Away
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The University of South Carolina community is grieving after authorities identified the student found deceased this week as 18-year-old Eliana M. Peterson of Columbia.
The Richland County Coroner’s Office confirmed Peterson’s identity following the discovery of her body Tuesday at the 650 Lincoln student housing complex. Coroner Naida Rutherford stated the death is under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which was called in by the University of South Carolina Police Department.
Few details surrounding the circumstances have been released as the investigation remains active. The 650 Lincoln complex, located in the 600 block of Lincoln Street, is a private student housing property near the university campus.
Peterson’s death has sent waves of sorrow through the university. As a first-year student just beginning her college journey, her loss is profoundly felt by peers, faculty, and the broader Columbia community. The university has offered counseling and support services to students impacted by the tragedy.
Authorities continue to investigate, with no further information immediately available. The campus now mourns a life cut tragically short.
