State authorities continue to investigate the death of an 18-year-old University of South Carolina student who was found last week at a student apartment complex near campus. The student has been identified as Eliana “Ellie” Peterson, a former student of Laurence Manning Academy.
Peterson, a first-year USC student majoring in chemistry, was found the night of Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the 650 Lincoln student housing complex on Lincoln Street, according to Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford. Her death is being investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division at the request of the University of South Carolina Police Department.
The case remains active, and no cause of death has been released.
University officials confirmed Peterson’s death and said there was no threat to campus. USC spokesperson Jeff Stensland said the university’s Student Affairs team has been offering support services to students and others affected.
The discovery led to a significant law enforcement presence in the area and the temporary closure of a portion of Lincoln Street during a USC men’s basketball game. The street later reopened.
Peterson’s death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from her former school community in Clarendon County. Laurence Manning Academy released a statement Saturday expressing sympathy for Peterson’s family and friends.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Eliana ‘Ellie’ Peterson, a former student whose story we were grateful to be a part of,” the statement read. “Ellie was attending the University of South Carolina, and her passing is a profound loss to all who knew her. We hold her family, friends, and the University of South Carolina community close in our thoughts and prayers during this time of grief.”
Rutherford said her office will continue working with SLED as the investigation continues. Authorities have said additional information will be released if it becomes available.
