The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth confirmed on Tuesday the discovery of the body of Flordan “Flo” Bazile, a student-athlete who had been missing. Bazile, a 21-year-old sophomore, was found in a river in Massachusetts.
Bazile, a track and field star, was last seen at the university’s Pine Dale Hall dormitories early Monday morning. His body was found on January 16, 2024, after a thorough search of both water and land areas.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, which has been deeply involved in the investigation, stated there is no evidence of foul play in Bazile’s death. The case is currently being treated as a suicide. His body was discovered in the Acushnet River, approximately seven miles from his campus residence at UMass-Dartmouth.
Mark Fuller, the Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, described Bazile as a valuable member of the Charlton College of Business undergraduate program. He offered his sympathies to Bazile’s family, friends, teammates, and fellow students and confirmed that the university intends to honor Bazile’s memory and celebrate his life on campus.
An accomplished sprinter, Bazile held the UMass Dartmouth record for the 100-meter dash. His recent accolades include being named the 2024 Little East Conference Track and Field Athlete of the Week and Track and Field Rookie Athlete of the Week in back-to-back weeks.
In 2022, he was also honored as the Little East Conference Rookie Track Athlete of the Year. Bazile, originally from Orlando, Florida, completed his high school education in Massachusetts.
Those who knew him remember Bazile as a dedicated, energetic individual, a champion in his field, and a loyal friend.