Authorities in South Carolina said a 19-year-old college student who went missing on Halloween died by suicide.
Owen Tillman Kenney was last seen early on Oct. 31 in Charleston, according to the Charleston Police Department.
Detectives have confirmed through video evidence that he took his life shortly before 4 a.m. that day after walking onto the Ravenel Bridge pedestrian walkway, the Charleston Police Department said Thursday.
The search has now shifted to a recovery effort, police said.
"Our priority has always been and will remain Owen's family," Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker said in a statement. "This is a real case involving a real family living through unimaginable pain, and they deserve compassion, privacy, and support from all of us."
The teen was last seen by friends around 2 a.m. in an area near his school, the College of Charleston, police said. Detectives have confirmed he was then walking alone onto the Ravenel Bridge pedestrian walkway shortly after 3 a.m., and his cellphone's last recorded location was there around that time, police said.
He was reported missing on Nov. 1, according to the College of Charleston Department of Public Safety.
"The College community continues to keep Owen and his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers," the College of Charleston Department of Public Safety said in a statement Thursday.
The school said it is offering support to those impacted.
Kenney graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School in Red Bank, New Jersey, last year, according to the school.
Charleston detectives had been working with the FBI and New Jersey State Police on the investigation into Kenney's disappearance, police said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide -- free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text the national lifeline at 988.
