The University of Massachusetts (UMass)-Dartmouth confirmed on Tuesday the recovery of the body of Flordan “Flo” Bazile, a sophomore student who had been missing. Bazile was a 21-year-old athlete at the institution.
Bazile, a renowned sprinter for the university’s track team, was found on January 16, 2024, after intense search efforts on land and water. He was last sighted at approximately 2 a.m. on Monday at the Pine Dale Hall dormitories situated on the main campus.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, which has been actively involved in the matter, reported no indications of foul play in Bazile’s death. The case is currently being investigated as a suicide. His body was discovered in the Acushnet River, approximately seven miles from his dorm at UMass-Dartmouth.
Bazile was acknowledged by Mark Fuller, the Chancellor of UMass Dartmouth, as a valued student of the Charlton College of Business undergraduate program. The Chancellor expressed his condolences to Bazile’s family, friends, teammates, and fellow students, affirming the university’s intention to honor and celebrate Bazile’s life on campus.
An accomplished athlete, Bazile held the UMass Dartmouth record for the 100-meter dash. His recent accolades included being named the 2024 Little East Conference Track and Field Athlete of the Week and Track and Field Rookie Athlete of the Week in consecutive weeks. He was also recognized as the Little East Conference Rookie Track Athlete of the Year in 2022.
Bazile, originally from Orlando, Florida, attended high school in Massachusetts. Those who knew him remember him as dedicated, vibrant, a winner, and a loyal friend.
