University City, Missouri — The Washington University in St. Louis community is grappling with a deep sense of loss after 21-year-old student Ella Elizabeth Johnson, who had been reported missing earlier this month, was found dead in a tragic end to an urgent search. Authorities and university officials say her death is being treated as a suspected suicide, though many details remain private out of respect for her family.
Johnson, a member of the WashU Class of 2027, was last seen in the early hours of January 14 in the 6650 block of Kingsbury Boulevard near the university. That night, she drove away from her home around midnight but left her phone behind, immediately worrying family members who could not reach her afterward.
Shortly after she was reported missing, the University City Police Department issued an Endangered Person Advisory, noting that Johnson had previously made statements that suggested she was struggling with her mental health. Police described her vehicle—a black 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan with a Massachusetts license plate—and the areas she was last seen in, hoping the public might help locate her.
After several days of searching, Johnson’s body was discovered near her vehicle. Official sources indicate her death appears to be a suicide, though the police have withheld specific details about the circumstances to protect the family’s privacy. There is no evidence of foul play.
Also: CORALVILLE, Iowa Woman Amber Martin Fatally Stabbed by Husband, Shaking Community
The news hit the WashU campus hard. Students, professors, and staff have described an atmosphere of shock and sadness as they try to make sense of the loss. Many captured their feelings in online messages and small moments of remembrance, recalling Johnson as a thoughtful, bright young woman whose presence mattered to her peers.
In response to the tragedy, Washington University has emphasized the availability of counseling and mental health resources for anyone struggling with grief, stress, or emotional distress. Leaders at the university urged community members to connect with support services and with one another in this difficult time.
Mental health advocates say this heartbreaking event underscores a broader issue on college campuses across the nation: the need for open dialogue about emotional well-being and the importance of reaching out for help. Support remains available through campus and national resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers free, confidential support around the clock.
As friends and family begin to plan private memorials, the community is left reflecting on Johnson’s life and the challenges young people often face quietly. Her story has sparked deeper conversations about compassion, connection, and care within the close-knit world of a university community.
