UMass Dartmouth Student to Be ‘Sorely Missed' After Being Killed in Crash on Campus

A student at UMass Dartmouth was struck and killed by a vehicle on campus on Thursday, according to a letter sent to the college community by the chancellor.

First-year bioengineering student Frank Petillo Jr. died at the hospital, according to the university.

"This has been a very difficult week for the Corsair community," Dr. Mark Fuller wrote in the letter. "We feel a collective pain even if we do not personally know those who have passed. We sit in class together. We work together. We pass each other in the halls. We are often more connected than we realize. If you need support, please reach out to someone."

According to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office, UMass Dartmouth police responded to a crash involving a pedestrian being hit at around 5:30 p.m. Thursday. When officers arrived, they found Petillo seriously hurt on Ring Road. He was taken to St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, where he was pronounced dead, according to the DA's office.

The driver involved, identified as another student, was located at the scene, authorities said.

This is the second UMass Dartmouth that passed away recently.

Fine arts student Alexandra Landry died on Friday morning, according to a letter from UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Mark A. Fuller.

"Alex was a valued member of the CVPA community who brought deep talent and passion to her work. Her most recent paintings are being exhibited now at the Star Store's University Gallery as part of the MFA exhibition, and they stand as a strong testament to her life and art.", he added.

The university is providing additional hours at its counseling center on Friday until 7 p.m.

Faculty and staff who need support have been encouraged to reach out to the human resources department.

An investigation is ongoing by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office along with the CARS Unit of the Massachusetts State Police.