The University of Texas at Dallas community is mourning the loss of a 20-year-old sophomore identified as Andrew Zhou Li, whose body was found a week after his disappearance, officials announced.
The sudden loss of Li, a political science student known for his academic zeal and community involvement, has deeply affected campus students, faculty, and staff.
Zhou’s mother reported him missing on February 24, 2024, after he failed to respond to her calls and texts. During a check at his campus apartment, University of Texas at Dallas police found Li’s personal items and cell phone but noted his wallet was absent.
A roommate reported last seeing Li in the apartment at University Village, a housing complex on the UT Dallas campus. at 6 p.m. that same day. His absence triggered immediate concern among those who knew him, leading to extensive searches by family, friends, and local law enforcement.
On March 2, the Richardson Police Department located Li’s body under the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) rail tracks in the 3200 block of Routh Creek Parkway. This discovery brought the week-long search to a tragic end.
The cause of Li’s death is under active investigation by the Richardson Police Department and the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office. Authorities have said that the official cause of death awaits toxicology results but have not yet released further details. Police have indicated that there is no ongoing threat to the campus community following the discovery.
Gene Fitch, Vice President for Student Affairs, communicated the heart-wrenching news of Andrew Li’s passing in a message to the university community over the weekend.
In a poignant Facebook post, University of Texas at Dallas police extended their deepest sympathies to Li’s loved ones. “We are united in mourning with Andrew’s family and friends during this deeply sorrowful time. Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone touched by his loss,” they expressed.
This sorrowful incident marks the second student death reported in the past week, bringing the total to nine in the 2023-2024 academic year, as noted by The Mercury, the student newspaper at UTD. Another student’s life was lost recently, found in a campus parking area on February 26.
To honor the memory of the nine students who have passed away this academic year, a Comets Remember Ceremony is scheduled for March 19 at the campus. The university’s mascot is a comet.
The university has made counseling services accessible to students and staff affected by these tragic events, providing support during times of loss.
