UMass Athlete Found Dead

(RepublicanJournal.org) – On Monday, January 15, authorities were notified that UMASS Dartmouth student Flordan Bazile, who went by “Flo,” was missing. He was last seen leaving campus around 2 a.m. that morning. The report sparked a ground and water search, and sadly, he was found deceased on Tuesday.

Police had searched the Fairhaven area for Bazile, and after more than a day, found his body in the Acushnet River. Speaking to NBC 10, the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office said it didn’t suspect any foul play. Bazile’s death was ruled a suicide.

Chancellor Mark Fuller, Ph.D., sent out a statement to the school after the news broke, saying those who knew Flo described him “as hard-working, energetic, a champion, and a great friend.” He promised to update everyone on campus “about any plans to honor Flo’s memory and celebrate his life on campus.” UMASS Dartmouth also said it was providing free counseling to staff members and students at the university for several days following the news.

Bazile, who is from Orlando, was a member of the college’s track and field team, where he was a sprinter and held the school record for running the 100-meter dash in the fastest time. The school had also named him the rookie athlete of the week for both weeks before his death. His speed and talent earned him many accolades over the past few years, including the 2023 Little East Conference Track Athlete and 2022 Little East Conference Rookie Track Athlete of the Year titles.

Bazile didn’t just excel on the field, either. He was part of the Charlton College of Business program, which is one of the most elite in the country.

If you or someone you know needs help, it’s available. Text or call 988 to contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also chat live at 988lifeline.org.