PRINCETON, N.J. — The Princeton University community is grieving the tragic loss of Haoran Li, a postdoctoral researcher in electrical and computer engineering, who passed away unexpectedly at his home in West Windsor on September 25, 2025. University administrators shared the heartbreaking news in a message to faculty, staff, and students, prompting an outpouring of shock and sorrow across campus.

Li, who had only recently defended his Ph.D. dissertation at Princeton, was widely admired for his intellectual brilliance, quiet determination, and the generosity of spirit he brought to his research and collaborations. His work focused on advancing cutting-edge solutions in electrical and computer engineering, a field in which colleagues said he had already begun to make a lasting impact.

Faculty members described Li as an exceptional scholar whose curiosity and creativity inspired those around him. Peers remembered him not only for his academic accomplishments but also for his kindness, humility, and willingness to lend a hand or an encouraging word to others.

“Haoran was more than just a gifted researcher; he was a friend to many and a source of encouragement in our department,” one colleague shared. “His passing is a tremendous loss to the Princeton community and to the future of engineering research.”

The news has rippled through both the academic and local communities, leaving classmates, mentors, and friends devastated by the sudden loss of a young scholar whose promising career had only just begun. Many have expressed their grief on social media, highlighting Li’s perseverance and his profound ability to balance brilliance with kindness.

University administrators extended their condolences to Li’s family, friends, and colleagues, emphasizing the resources available on campus for those struggling to cope with the news. Counseling services and support networks have been made available for students, faculty, and staff.

Plans for memorial services are expected to be announced in the coming days, offering the Princeton community an opportunity to honor Li’s life, his academic achievements, and the friendships he cultivated during his years at the University.

Though his time was cut heartbreakingly short, Haoran Li’s legacy will continue to live on through the research he conducted, the colleagues he inspired, and the countless lives he touched. His memory will serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring importance of compassion and dedication in the pursuit of knowledge.