AMHERST — A junior computer engineering student at the University of Massachusetts was found dead near McGuirk Alumni Stadium on the night of Oct. 30, according to an email sent to the university community.
Erick Kang’Ethe, who has family in the Worcester area and in the state of Washington, was found inside a vehicle, the statement said. Massachusetts State Police are conducting an investigation.
UMass Associate Vice Chancellor David C. Vaillancourt sent an email to students.
“We extend our sincere condolences to Erick’s family and friends,” Vaillancourt wrote. “The Student Loss and Remembrance page will be updated with any arrangements that the family wishes to share with the university.”
His message also referred people to the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health and the dean of students’ office.
Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Kang’Ethe was a 2017 graduate of Doherty High School in Worcester. He was reported missing by his family on Sunday.
UMass spokeswoman Mary Dettloff said UMass Police, the Amherst Fire Department, the Hadley Fire Department, area hazardous materials units and state police were on scene for a few hours Wednesday night.
“There is no ongoing public safety concern,” Dettloff said.
Stadium Drive was closed for a time following the incident.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.