WUHAN, 21 March – Zhang Yuzhen, a 19-year-old business student at Hubei University, was found dead near the campus on 21 March after being missing for several days. Police have ruled out foul play.

On the evening of 14 March (Friday), Zhang, a 19-year-old freshman from Shenzhen, Guangdong, left Hubei University’s Yangluo Campus and subsequently lost contact with others.

On the same day, Hubei University reported the case to the police and contacted the student’s family. The university also activated its emergency response mechanism to assist in the search.

Zhang’s family was unaware of her disappearance until March 18, when her counselor called to say she hadn’t returned to campus since March 15.

The police, including officers from the Yangluo Street Police Station under the Yangtze New District Branch of Wuhan Public Security Bureau, launched an investigation immediately after receiving the report.

On March 19, some students observed rescue personnel using a kayak on Yanjia Lake near the campus. Zhao Mingjia, a student majoring in Digital Media Art, was one of the eyewitnesses. “I saw them paddling on the lake at the time, but I didn’t know it was a search and recovery operation,” she said.

On 20 March, Zhang’s mother released multiple videos online, appealing for help to find her daughter. The case quickly attracted public attention.

At 12:20 a.m. on March 21, Hubei University received a notice from the police that a female body had been found in a water area near the campus. A public announcement was later released on social media, confirming through forensic examination that the body was identified as Zhang Yuzhen. The police have initially ruled out the possibility of criminal involvement.

The university has expressed deep condolences to the family and pledged full support. Officials have reminded students to be mindful of their safety and mental well-being.