Body Of Dead Rutgers Student Discovered Outside, On Campus

The body of a dead Rutgers student was found outside, on campus, on Friday, authorities said.

The man was found early Friday outdoors on the Busch Campus in Piscataway. At this time, the death does not appear to be suspicious, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.

Akash S. Taneja, a graduate student enrolled at the Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, was identified as the victim.

"The circumstances of his passing are still under investigation at this time," the university said in an email. "On behalf of the Rutgers community, please join us in extending our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Akash. Further details will be provided as they become available. "

The cause of death has yet to be determined, pending the results of an autopsy by the Middlesex County Medical Examiner.

The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Michelle Bolognini of the Rutgers Police Department at (848) 932 -4842, or Detective David Abromaitis of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4436.

"The grieving process is always difficult, particularly when we lose a young person of great talent and potential," Rutgers said in an email. "Our counselors are available to any student seeking grief or general support."

Students can contact CAPS (Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services) at 848-932-7884 or visit the center at 17 Senior Street in New Brunswick.

Also, students can seek support through “Let’s Talk” drop-in hours offering free and confidential consultation sessions every day across a number of campus locations (for details visit http://rhscaps.rutgers.edu/dropin/).

Students may also reach out to the following resources for support:

• Dean of Students Office: 848-932-2300
• Multifaith Council: 848-932-5500
• Crisis Text Line: Text KNIGHTS to 741-741, anytime 24/7
• NJ Hopeline: 1-855-654-6735