Body of Missing UNH Student Found in Swamp
A UNH student missing since attending a party early Saturday morning was found dead Sunday afternoon.
Durham Police Chief Rene Kelley said the body of Vincenzo Lirosi,22, was found by a New England Search and Rescue K-9 team in a marshy area off of Coe Drive in Durham around 1:20 p.m. Sunday afternoon.
“Though this is not the outcome we had all hoped for, we are grateful that we were able to find Vincenzo and bring some closure to his family," Kelley said.
Lirosi was last seen drinking early Saturday morning with friends between 1 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. It is believed he took a path through a wooded area to his off campus residence on Woodman Road and was reported missing around 3 a.m.
Kelley on Sunday morning told Seacoast Current a dozen Fish and Game Officers, many with their K-9 teams as well as a State Police K-9 team here searching for the Whitman, Massachusetts resident. A drone up with heat seeking technology and the State Police helicopter were part of the search on Sunday.
"In addition nearly every member of my department is here canvassing the area and knocking on doors for any potential witnesses," Kelley said.
Police said Lirosi's death is not considered suspicious.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Vincenzo’s family & friends. This is a very sad day for our community and right now we are focused on providing the support and resources needed for everyone who knew him or is impacted by his death," UNH President James Dean, UNH Police Chief Paul Dean and Senior Vice Provost for Student Life Kenneth Holmes said in a statement. "We ask all faculty and staff to be considerate of students impacted by this tragedy and offer accommodations for assignments and attendance."
UNH Police, the Strafford County Sheriff's Department and the New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement – Law Enforcement Division were also part of the search.
The cause and manner of death will be determined after an autopsy by the state Medical Examiner.
Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH