Charleston mourns Owen Tillman Kenney after tragedy on Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Owen Tillman Kenney, 19, a second-semester student at the College of Charleston, was found deceased near Patriots Point on November 8, nearly eight days after he was last seen on Halloween night. Security footage shows Kenney walking alone onto the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge at 3:49 a.m., wearing a black hooded jacket and light-colored pants, just under two hours after friends last saw him near King Street. His family, friends, and the Charleston community endured an agonizing week of uncertainty as search efforts spanned waterways and shorelines.
Kenney had transferred from New Jersey to Charleston just ten months earlier. A graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School in 2024, he was remembered by classmates and teachers as polite, friendly, and academically ambitious. The young man was midway through his second semester at the College of Charleston, pursuing studies and aspirations that were abruptly interrupted by this tragic event. The news of his death has deeply affected both his hometown and his college community, leaving friends and faculty in mourning.
The search for Kenney involved a coordinated effort by multiple agencies. The Charleston Harbor Patrol, Mount Pleasant Police, Charleston County Rescue, and the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office all responded to reports and actively combed the waters and nearby shorelines. His body was ultimately discovered floating near Patriots Point at 8:45 a.m. on November 8. Authorities have stated that investigators determined he had taken his own life, though the profound grief felt by those who knew him cannot be measured by facts alone.
During the eight days Kenney’s whereabouts were unknown, his family and friends faced an unimaginable period of worry and uncertainty. Social media posts, community alerts, and search parties were organized as his loved ones pleaded for information. Local residents, students, and even strangers participated in efforts to locate him, highlighting the communal compassion and concern that permeated Charleston during the search. Despite the heartbreak of the outcome, the collective response demonstrated the strength and solidarity of the city’s communities.
Owen Tillman Kenney is remembered for his warmth, courtesy, and promise. Friends recount his academic dedication and his approachable personality, traits that made him well-liked in both New Jersey and Charleston. His death has prompted discussions about mental health awareness, support systems for students, and the importance of community vigilance in recognizing signs of distress. Campus counselors and local mental health organizations have offered services to students, friends, and family members affected by the tragedy.
While authorities have closed the investigation into his death, the void left by Kenney’s passing remains palpable. The College of Charleston and Red Bank Catholic High School have both honored his memory, emphasizing the impact he had in his short life. As Charleston reflects on the circumstances surrounding Owen Tillman Kenney’s death, families and friends continue to grieve, finding solace in shared memories and communal support, while his story serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and compassion.
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