(UPDATE 9:40 p.m.) — In an update Saturday night, Cornell University Police say they have found the body of missing Cornell student Antonio Tsialas.
After an extensive search, emergency responders found him in the Fall Creek gorge. A full investigation is underway, but Cornell University said: “no foul play is suspected.” He had been missing since Thursday.
Below is the full message sent to students Saturday night from Ryan Lombardi, vice president for student and campus life.
Dear Cornellians,
I am deeply saddened to report that after an extensive search, law enforcement officials report that they have recovered the body of Cornell student Antonio Tsialas, who was reported missing by his parents Friday afternoon. Antonio was last seen late on Thursday evening. His body was recovered this evening inside the Fall Creek gorge. A full investigation of the circumstances of his death is underway; no foul play is suspected.
Antonio was an undeclared first-year student in the College of Arts & Sciences from Miami, FL. Described as a thoughtful and smart student, Antonio was outgoing in nature and was actively involved in the Cornell Mundial F.C. club soccer team. He had recently become a campus tour guide.
On behalf of the Cornell community, I offer our most sincere condolences to Antonio’s family and friends. Words cannot adequately convey our thoughts, so please join me in keeping them in our hearts as they struggle with this loss.
I encourage our community to lean on each other and to reach out for support as we all process Antonio’s death. Resources can be found at the bottom of this message. Additional information about community support opportunities will be provided as details are available.
Sincerely,
Ryan Lombardi
Vice President for Student and Campus Life
Support services are available to all members of the Cornell community. Students may consult with counselors from Counseling and Psychological Services by calling 607-255-5155. Students may speak with a peer counselor by calling EARS at 607-255-3277.
Employees may call the Faculty Staff Assistance Program at 607-255-2673. The Ithaca-based Crisisline is available at 607-272-1616. For additional resources, visit caringcommunity.cornell.edu.
Cornell University Police were assisted by the Ithaca Police Department, Ithaca Fire Department, New York State Police, New York State Forest Rangers, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police and Cornell Botanic Gardens staff.
Earlier story–
ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell University Police are investigating a report of a missing 18-year-old student.
CUPD and other local police agencies are actively searching for 18-year-old Antonio Tsialas, who is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences. He was last seen at an event at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at 120 Mary Ann Wood Drive, according to a news release Saturday. His family reported him missing Friday afternoon.
Tsialas is described as 5’10” tall with brown eyes, brown hair and weighs approximately 175 lbs. He has a scar over the right side of his upper lip. When he was last seen, he was reported to have been wearing a black or dark blue sweatshirt, dark blue pants and a white T-shirt, CUPD said.
Anyone who has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact CUPD at 607-255-1111.
