1 Day After Being Reported Missing, Penn State Student Found Dead Friday Morning: Police

STATE COLLEGE, PA — A 19-year-old Summit, New Jersey native attending Penn State University was reported missing Thursday night and found dead the next morning.

Justine Gross, a sophomore liberal arts student, was last seen Wednesday night, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Her family told StateCollege.com that she lived off campus at Beaver Terrace apartments.

Police say that her death appears to be accidental, though an investigation continues.

“Currently, State College Police and the Centre County Coroner’s Office are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Preliminary information available to investigators indicates the death to be accidental in nature,” State College police said in a statement. “No further information is available for release at this time and will be provided as possible in the future.”

Anyone with information about Gross is encouraged to contact the State College Police Department at 814-234-7150 or police@statecollegepa.us. An anonymous tip may also be submitted through the agency’s website.

Penn State encourages students who are struggling with Gross’ death and in need of assistance should contact the university’s counseling and psychological services department at 814-863-0395 or www.sa.psu.edu/caps.

“We are heartbroken for the family and friends of Justine Gross and offer our condolences to all who knew and loved her,” Lisa Powers wrote in an email to StateCollege.com.

Gross graduated from Summit High School in 2020, according to Tap Into Summit.