Students Express Concern Over Dating App Death of Connecticut Woman

Ja’Bria Lester | Published Feb 25, 2022

Each year women are sexually assaulted, mistreated, or sometimes even killed by their attacker – an issue that college students need to know. . 

In December, 23-year-old Lauren Fields of Connecticut was found dead in her own bed with her date next to her, after an evening with the man whom she met on the social media app, bumble. Police have not yet determined the cause of death.

The Bumble date told reporters that Fields fell asleep on the couch and he carried her to the bedroom. He said he woke up at about 3 a.m. to use the restroom, and he noticed Ms.Fields was sound asleep and snoring. 

At 6:30 a.m. he woke up and saw Fields unresponsive, on her right side with blood leaking out of her nostril, he told the investigators. He told investigators he was trembling and visibly shaken, according to a report in The New York Times. 

This case is still fresh, yet not too many students at Kean were aware of this incident. 

Kean student Elizabeth Dougan said it bothered her that this case got little attention.

 “There was no energy or motivation put into the case,” she said. “I felt like it was just blown off and wasn’t taken seriously.”

Dougan is not alone with her opinion. As the Fields investigation continues, thousands of people around the world are saying Lauren’s name on social media and calling for justice.

Hashtag #laurensmithfields is making others aware of this tragedy and friends of the Fields family continue to hope justice is served. They are asking the media to shine light upon this case. 

As a young woman, Dougan said she often feels unsafe and afraid. She personally uses something she describes as the “buddy system,” which involves her going places such as an event, gathering, or even just to the bathroom to keep safe.

Dating apps are one of the most used apps when it comes to trying to find someone to  connect with, and Bumble is one of those apps. However, students at Kean seemed to be aware that you have to be careful and smart about using them.

Kean student Kayla Hodges does not use dating apps, saying they are just another way for “bad people” to meet you.

“Of course, not everyone has the ability to do monstrous things or just have evil intentions, but how well do we, or can we know someone until we know the real them and it’s too late?” Hodges said.  

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