COLUMBIA, S.C. — Authorities have identified the woman found dead Tuesday night at an on-campus apartment complex at the University of South Carolina, a discovery that has deeply shaken the campus community. The Richland County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victim as 18-year-old Eliana Peterson, a freshman student at USC.
Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford said Peterson’s body was found in the 600 block of Lincoln Street, near the 650 Lincoln student housing complex. In a statement released Wednesday, Rutherford said her office will continue working closely with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to fully investigate the circumstances surrounding Peterson’s death. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the USC community,” Rutherford said.
University of South Carolina officials confirmed that Peterson was a first-year student at the university. University spokesperson Jeff Stensland said Peterson, affectionately known as “Ellie,” was from Sumter, South Carolina, and was majoring in chemistry. Her death was reported Tuesday and occurred at the 650 Lincoln student housing complex, which is considered on-campus housing.
Stensland said the incident is currently under investigation by SLED, and no additional details about the cause or manner of death have been released at this time. However, he emphasized that officials have determined there is no threat to the campus community. “The university can confirm the death of one of our students,” Stensland said, adding that the school is cooperating fully with investigators.
In response to the tragedy, USC’s student affairs team has begun offering counseling and support services to students, friends, and others affected by Peterson’s death. University officials said resources are being made available to help the campus community cope as investigators continue their work and more information is awaited.
The investigation led to a large law enforcement presence in the area Tuesday night, causing a section of Lincoln Street to be temporarily shut down during a USC men’s basketball game. The street has since reopened. SLED confirmed it was requested to investigate by the University of South Carolina Police Department and said the case remains active and ongoing. As the investigation continues, students, faculty, and community members are mourning the loss of a young life and awaiting answers.
