Student death has UNH campus searching for answers

DURHAM, N.H. — The day after the body of a 22-year-old UNH student was found in a marshy area near campus, students were left stunned.

“The feeling on campus matches the weather; it’s dreary, it’s sad,” UNH student Eric Ghilarducci said.

Over the weekend, the body of 22-year-old Vincenzo Lirosi was discovered after an extensive search of the area. Durham, N.H. Police said Vincenzo was drinking with friends Friday night and was last seen taking a path in a wooded area near his apartment early Saturday morning.

After an extensive search, Vincenzo’s body was discovered Sunday afternoon. The case has UNH students asking some tough questions.

“It could have been any of us, I take that to heart,” UNH student Michael Willard said. “It could have been me.”

Vincenzo Lirosi lived in Whitman, Mass. His cousin, Ashley Erwin, said his family is dealing with Vincenzo’s sudden absence.

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“A lot of us are still going through the shock and denial phase, a lot of us are crying,” Erwin said.

Ashley Erwin remembered her cousin as a good young man who struggled with his father’s death in 2014, but who emerged from that sadness with a renewed commitment to his future. A GoFundMe appeal has already raised more than $45,000 for Vincenzo’s family.

“It means the world to us, we were worried about affording a funeral because they are not cheap,” Erwin said.

In a statement, UNH said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Vincenzo’s family and friends. This is a very sad time for our community and right now we are focused on providing the support and resources needed for everyone who knew him or is impacted by his death.”

The university on Monday suspended a fraternity amid the ongoing investigation, citing school protocol:

“As is common practice when an investigation involves a fraternity, we were in touch with the organization’s national headquarters and collectively agreed to interim suspend the organization effective immediately. This decision is not the result of an investigation or a formal finding of responsibility, but it is an important step while the Durham Police Department continues its investigation.”

The NH Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

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