Mystery as Maine college student, 20, is found dead near campus parking lot – as staff pay tribute to ‘a bright and engaging presence’

A Maine college student was found dead near the campus parking lot.

Qingyang Zhan, 20, was found near the Frank J. Woods Bridge in Topsham at Bowdoin College on Sunday morning.

Authorities said they are investigating the death but do not believe there is a threat to the public.

Police found the remains of Bowdoin College student Qingyang Zhan, 20, in the lot near the Frank J. Woods Bridge in Topsham, near the Bowdoin College campus.

Zhan, known as ‘K,’ was originally from Shanghai, China, but had lived in the United States since 2019, WMTW reported.

He reportedly attended school in California before beginning his studies at Bowdoin in the fall of 2021.

Bowdoin College President Safa Zaki said in a statement: “Faculty members describe K as a bright and engaging presence, and many will remember his warmth and kindness.

‘K’s death is a devastating tragedy for his parents, brother, other loved ones, as well as his friends, classmates, and our entire Bowdoin community.

Police have not revealed the cause of the student’s death.

‘This news is very difficult to process, especially since we do not yet know the circumstances of K’s death. Please take care of yourselves and others and take advantage of opportunities to meet.’

Zaki added that the police have not revealed the cause of the student’s death.

Zhan had been double majoring in government and legal studies and Asian studies at the Maine school and helped found the Chinese Student Association.

DailyMail.com has contacted the Topsham Police Department for more information on this story.