Missing USC Student, Samantha Josephson of Robbinsville, Has Died

Robbinsville is in mourning today as we have learned about a tragic end to a devastating story for one Mercer County family.

The University of South Carolina has confirmed that one of their students, 21-year-old Samantha Josephson of Robbinsville, has passed away. Josephson was first reported missing early Friday morning.

Samantha's dad, Seymour Josephson, confirmed her death on Facebook earlier today.

"It is with tremendous sadness and of a broken heart that I post this! I will miss and love my baby girl for the rest of life. Samantha is no longer with us but she will not be for gotten," he wrote on Facebook early Saturday.

Investigators say that Samantha's friends saw her leaving a bar near campus in Columbia, South Carolina between 1:30 and 2:00 am on Friday morning.  Surveillance footage showed Josephson entering a vehicle around 2 a.m.

One of Samantha's friends, Jordyn Spencer, told The State that it is believed Josephson got into the wrong vehicle after calling for a ride share service.

The victim's friends reported her missing when she didn't return home (and their phone calls went unanswered). Investigators have not spoken out about any developments in the investigation.

They have planned a press conference for later in the day, but a time has not been announced yet.

Hopewell Elementary School principal David Friedrich also confirmed her death in a message on his Twitter account which has since been deleted, according to NJ1015.

"Heartbroken to share that the body of Samantha Josephson has been found. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers," Friedrich tweeted.

Samantha's mother, Marci Josephson, is a speech/language specialist at the school.

Robbinsville's mayor, David Fried, expressed his sympathy for the family on Facebook today.

The University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides urged students to support each other in the coming days.

“Our prayers are with the family and friends of Samantha Josephson following the devastating news of her death,” Pastides said. “Times like these leave me searching for words of wisdom and comfort. However, I take solace that the Carolina Family is here to embrace those who are hurting.”

Samantha was a senior political science major at USC and was going to attend Drexel Law School, according to the Charlotte Observer.