By Donald Gilpin

James Li, 19, a Princeton University freshman and 2023 Princeton High School (PHS) graduate, died on the afternoon of February 16 after being struck by the Princeton Dinky shuttle train at the Faculty Road crossing.

The train, which left the Princeton University station at 2:14 p.m. and was scheduled to arrive at Princeton Junction Station at 2:19 p.m., “struck and fatally injured a pedestrian near Faculty Road,” according to NJ Transit Chief Communications Officer Jim Smith.

There were no injuries reported to the approximately 30 passengers on board. Service was temporarily suspended on the Princeton Dinky shuttle but has since resumed, and Faculty Road from Alexander Street to Washington Road was closed throughout the rest of the day on February 16. NJ Transit Police are leading the investigation.

“We are deeply saddened by the news,” wrote PHS Principal Cecilia Birge. “As one of his former teachers shared with me over the weekend, ‘James was a sweetheart. One of those silent, gentle souls that nobody notices, but when he spoke, he always surprised us with his thoughtfulness and wisdom.’”

Birge noted that all PHS counselors have been notified and PHS is offering counseling services to all of its students. The PHS Wellness Center is serving as a quiet space for those in need of comfort or reflection, she added.

The Princeton University Office of Communications reported that Li, a member of Princeton’s Yeh College, was “an avid reader of philosophers including Wittgenstein and Camus.” A University press release added, “Li had a particular interest in linguistics, loved playing computer games, and learning new languages, and studied Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Welsh, Romanian, and German (the last three self-taught).”

In a message to University students and colleagues, Princeton University Vice President for Campus Life W. Rochelle Calhoun stated, “Our entire community mourns the loss of James, and our hearts go out to James’ family and friends.” She added that few details are known and that the incident is under investigation.

The University hosted an opportunity for students to gather, reflect, and support one another on Saturday, February 17. The Daily Princetonian student newspaper reported on February 16 that this is the eighth Princeton University student death in the past three years.

Resources and support are available at Princeton University through Counseling and Psychological Services, the Office of Religious Life, the residential colleges, and the Graduate School, according to the University press release. Students wishing to speak with a counselor can call (609) 258-3141. Faculty and staff may contact Carebridge to speak with a licensed professional by calling (800) 437-0911.