Kexin Cai, a Dartmouth College graduate student, was discovered dead in the Connecticut River on May 20, 2024, after she had been missing for five days. The 26-year-old was last seen on May 15, riding her e-bike in West Lebanon, New Hampshire.

Concerned staff at Dick’s House, Dartmouth’s health facility, reported Cai missing on May 17 after they were unable to get in touch with her. Lebanon Police Chief Phil Roberts stated that a wellness check was requested at her Sachem Village apartment in West Lebanon at around 6 p.m. that day.

After finding no trace of Cai at her college-owned apartment, the search was broadened over that weekend. Surveillance video from two local businesses showed her departing on her e-bike around 6 p.m. on May 15, heading south on NH Route 10 towards West Lebanon.

Attention was directed towards the Boston Lot Conservation Area after a motorist noticed her e-bike. On the following Monday afternoon, police were alerted by a fisherman in Windsor, Vermont, about 14 miles south of West Lebanon, who reported a sighting along the Connecticut River. A body was retrieved from the river around 5:30 p.m. that day, which was later identified as Cai. Police have reported no initial evidence of criminal activity.

Originally from China, Cai was a second-year doctoral student at Dartmouth’s Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. She was researching communication challenges in autism. Jon Kull, Dean of the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, stated, “Kexin was an exceptionally gifted and humble researcher. She was so fond of cats that she included their pictures in all her posters and presentations.”

Kristian Droste, Cai’s partner, disclosed that she had been dealing with a mental health crisis and had voluntarily checked herself into Dick’s House on May 13. She was later transferred to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and discharged on May 15, the day she vanished. “Kexin had an uninhibited laugh and often sang in another language,” said Droste. “She was incredibly loyal to her family and loved ones.”

The search for Cai involved the cooperation of local law enforcement, Dartmouth Safety and Security, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, and numerous volunteers. Foot patrols, boats, drones, and helicopters were used in the extensive search. However, it is believed that the powerful current of the Connecticut River may have carried Cai’s body downstream from her last known location.

Her advisor described Cai as having a genuinely sweet personality and a deep love for the Upper Valley, where she enjoyed hiking, skiing, and road trips. “We had held out hope that the outcome would be different,” said Kull. “The Dartmouth community will deeply feel her loss.”

A memorial gathering to honor Cai’s life will be scheduled in the future. Dartmouth College is providing support for students and staff affected by her death through the campus counseling center.

The investigation into the circumstances of Cai’s death is ongoing. The New Hampshire State Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause.