Tragedy on Campus: UCLA Student Caily Newsome, 21, Found Dead Near Dorms — Community in Mourning
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — June 9, 2025 — The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) community is grappling with profound grief following the sudden and tragic death of 21-year-old student Caily Newsome, whose body was discovered early Monday morning near the De Neve residential complex on campus. The heartbreaking incident has prompted a wave of sorrow among fellow students, faculty, and loved ones, while law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her untimely passing.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department and campus officials, Caily Newsome was found unresponsive by campus security around 5:40 a.m. in a landscaped area adjacent to one of the dormitory buildings in the De Neve student housing area, located on the northwest side of the UCLA campus. Paramedics were immediately dispatched to the scene, but despite efforts to revive her, Newsome was pronounced dead at the scene.
Initial reports indicate that there were no signs of foul play or obvious trauma to the body, though officials have stated that the exact cause of death is still pending autopsy results from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office. Toxicology tests are also underway, and officials estimate those results could take several weeks.
A Life Full of Promise
Caily Newsome was a third-year psychology major from Oakland, California, known by peers and professors for her compassion, intellect, and passion for mental health advocacy. On campus, she was actively involved in several student-led organizations, including the Bruin Mental Health Alliance and the Black Student Union. She was also a resident assistant in the De Neve dormitories, where she supported and mentored underclassmen.
“Caily was a bright light — gentle, thoughtful, and always willing to lend a helping hand,” said Dr. Tamara Ellis, one of Caily’s professors and faculty advisors. “She had an extraordinary ability to connect with others and make people feel seen and heard.”
Friends described her as “uplifting,” “wise beyond her years,” and “a sister to everyone she met.” Social media tributes have poured in since news of her death became public, with many expressing disbelief and sorrow at the loss of such a vibrant young woman with so much ahead of her.
Investigation and Campus Response
UCLA’s Office of Student Affairs and University Police Department have emphasized that, while the investigation is ongoing, there is currently no threat to the campus community. In a statement released Monday morning, UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block expressed condolences and assured students that counseling and support services would be widely available.
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of Caily Newsome, a beloved member of our Bruin family,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her. UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is providing additional grief support for anyone affected by this loss.”
Crisis counselors have been made available in the De Neve complex and other key student hubs, with walk-in appointments and group support circles scheduled throughout the week. The university has also created a digital memory wall where students and faculty can leave messages in honor of Caily’s life.
A Family’s Anguish
Caily’s parents, Jonathan and Marsha Newsome, issued a brief public statement Monday afternoon through a family representative:
“We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful daughter, Caily. She was our joy, our light, and our hope for the future. Caily dreamed of becoming a clinical psychologist to help people who were hurting, and she was already doing just that. Our lives will never be the same without her.”
The family has requested privacy during this time but noted they plan to organize a public memorial service in the coming days to celebrate her life and legacy.
Community Vigil
Students and community members have organized a candlelight vigil to be held Tuesday evening on Janss Steps, a symbolic location on campus where students often gather to honor lost members of the Bruin community. The vigil will include readings, music, and an open mic for those wishing to share stories or reflections about Caily.
“This is about more than mourning — it’s about honoring her voice, her work, and her beautiful soul,” said fellow student and friend Jalyn Torres, who is helping to coordinate the event.
As the investigation continues, many are grappling not only with shock and sadness but also with questions about student mental health and the pressures faced by young adults in rigorous academic environments. UCLA has reiterated its commitment to expanding mental health resources and improving outreach programs, especially for students living in residential housing.
Ongoing Investigation
The LAPD’s West Bureau Homicide Unit is assisting campus police with the investigation, though no criminal activity is suspected at this time. Authorities have asked anyone who may have seen or spoken with Caily in the hours leading up to her death to contact investigators at (213) 382-9470 or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
More details will be released as the case develops and as the coroner’s office completes its report.
If you or someone you know is struggling, UCLA CAPS offers 24/7 mental health support at (310) 825-0768. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988. You are not alone.
Updates will follow as more information becomes available.