Rutgers—Newark incoming 1st-year dies days before 1st day of classes

An incoming Rutgers—Newark first-year died in a boating accident on August 25, according to an article by NJ Advance Media.

Zeina Mahafzah, a recent graduate of Wayne Hills High School in Wayne, New Jersey, was registered for the Fall 2024 semester before tragedy struck. While at the Jersey Shore, Mahafzah, who was boarded on a raft being pulled by a boat, got caught in the boat's propeller when she tried to get on the boat, New Jersey State Police Sergeant Jeffrey Lebron told NJ Advance Media.

Her alma mater announced that grief therapy would be provided in the two days that followed the accident. Prayers and services in her honor took place in Paterson and Totowa, according to the school.

Mahafzah is survived by her parents, two brothers and other family members, according to a Facebook post by her father that was cited by Asbury Park Press.

A University spokesperson extended support and sympathy to the Mahafzah family.