Princeton junior dies in New York hospital

Princeton student Chester Lam ’19, a computer science major, passed away at a hospital in New York City five days before Dean’s Date, the university’s deadline for all major assignments by tradition.

Kathleen Deignan, Dean of Undergraduate students, addressed the university community in an email Saturday afternoon. She noted that Lam had taken his own life. Lam was 20 years old.

“It is with profound sadness that I write to you this evening to share the tragic news that Chester Lam ’19, died yesterday in a hospital in New York City, having taken his own life.  Chester was a member of Wilson College and was from Morganville, New Jersey,” she wrote.

This is devastating news for Chester’s family and friends and for our community as a whole, she noted.

“Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” she said.

Counseling and Psychological Services, the Office of Religious Life, and residential colleges are offering resources and support for students affected by Lam’s passing.

Lam was a graduate of High Technology High School in Lincroft, New Jersey.

Lam was preceded in death by his mother. He is survived by his father and an older brother.

The University has extended condolences to the family. No memorial service is planned.