(Graphic Designed by Editor-in-Chief Roxanne Hepburn)
Managing Editor: Sydney Cayer
Email: scayer@umassd.edu
Editor-in-Chief: Roxanne Hepburn
Email: rhebpurn@umassd.edu
UMass Dartmouth student, Flordan (Flo) Benson Bazile, 21, was confirmed dead by Chancellor Mark Fuller via email on January 16th, 2023, at 7:02 PM.
He was announced as missing in the morning hours of January 16th by UMassD Police.
Bazile was seen leaving Pine Dale Hall on the UMass Dartmouth campus around 2:00 AM on January 15th and later seen in Fairhaven, MA, around Howland Road and Coggeshall Street. He was last seen wearing red Nike joggers, a black sweater with white/gray writing across it, and black shoes.
The missing person report described him as muscular, 6’0, with a dark complexion, brown hair, and brown eyes. Other sources had his height as 6’2.
The New Bedford Guide released a video on Facebook of the search and rescue effort on the New Bedford/Fairhaven line near the Fairhaven Bridge over the Acushnet River. First responders from various surrounding cities and towns contributed to the investigation.
Officials deployed drones with thermal image technology during the search.
According to abc6, “The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the body of a missing UMass Dartmouth student was recovered from the Acushnet River by police Tuesday night. The district attorney’s office says foul play is not suspected in the case.”
Bazile was a native of Orlando, Florida, and attended New Bedford High School.
He was a sophomore at the Charlton College of Business and a sprinter on the UMass Dartmouth track team.
Bazile was a highly successful runner for UMass Dartmouth. He had an extensive list of achievements on his athletics profile. The sprinter had succeeded in the USTFCCCA All-East Region meet, the All-DIII New England meet, and the Little East Championship.
For the past two weeks, Bazile had received the Little East Conference Weekly Honors for his performance on the track.
In May 2023, Bazile broke the school’s decade-long record in the 100 meters. The former record was 10.76 seconds. He ran the 100 meters in 10.56 seconds.
The Torch will be collaborating to create a memorial piece for Flo. If you want to leave memories of or messages to Flo, please contribute to our form, Flordan (Flo) Bazile Memorial Submissions.
*Update Made on 1/17/24 at 7:56 PM
On January 17th, UMass Dartmouth announced that the university will hold a Celebration of Life honoring Bazile, where students can grieve and share memories in solidarity.
The event will be held on Thursday, January 25th, at 5 PM in the Tripp Athletic Center.
In a post on Instagram, the school implored students to “please join us in extending our deepest condolences to Flo’s family and friends on behalf of the entire Corsair community.”
*Update Made on 1/18/24 at 11:33 AM
On Thursday, January 18th, at 11:12 AM, two days after the disappearance and death of Bazile, Kimberly Scott, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at UMass Dartmouth, released an email addressing Bazile’s passing.
In the email, VC Scott reiterates the university’s request for students to unite and support one another “during this very sad time.” She invites students to utilize extended urgent care hours and counseling services.
The Vice-Chancellor urges students to use all resources available to them through the school:
“In addition, if you are grieving, feeling lonely, stressed, or worried, you can always access Togetherall, a platform where students can share experiences in an anonymous space. Please use your UMassD credentials to log in.”
VC Scott then announced a location change for Bazile’s Celebration of Life.
The event will now be held on Thursday, January 25th, at 5 PM in the Campus Center Auditorium.
On Thursday, January 18th, and Friday, January 19th, UMass Dartmouth will have Urgent Care hours from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m., with the last appointment at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, the Counseling Center will offer the Counseling Center Circle of Support at 2 p.m. in the Birch Grille.
*Update Made on 1/19/24 at 5:39 PM
A GoFundMe has been made by Brianna Magnant, a fellow student at UMassD, to fund Bazile’s memorial services.
“As we navigate through this difficult time, we are reaching out for support to honor Flordan ‘FLO’ Bazile with a dignified and heartfelt farewell. We are seeking assistance to cover the funeral and memorial expenses, allowing us to give him the respectful farewell he deserves.
Flo touched the lives of many, and we are incredibly grateful for any contribution, big or small, to help us in this time of need. Your support will not only alleviate the financial burden but also provide comfort to his loved ones as we come together to celebrate his life and legacy.”
Please consider donating or sharing the fundraiser to spread the word
*Update made on 1/22 at 10:51 AM
While officials have not confirmed the cause of death, Flo had a scheduled post upload to Instagram.
*This is an ongoing story and will be updated.*
Dial 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The Counseling Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the after-hours Support Help Line can be reached at 508.910.4357. The Center for Religious and Spiritual Life has campus ministers from several faith traditions who provide confidential pastoral counseling and can be reached at 508.999.8872.
Faculty and staff needing support are encouraged to access the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) program for free counseling by calling 844.393.4983 or visiting their website and entering the ID: UMASS.