UMass Dartmouth Student Killed in Campus Crash

UPDATE: More details have been released on the fatal crash that killed Petillo.

DARTMOUTH — A UMass Dartmouth freshman has been killed in a car crash on campus, according to a message from Chancellor Mark Fuller that was sent to university students and staff Thursday night.

First-year bioengineering student Frank Petillo, Jr. was fatally hit by a vehicle on the UMass Dartmouth campus earlier on Thursday, Fuller wrote in the message.

Fuller did not give any further details on the crash.

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The Bristol County District Attorney's Office said their state police unit is actively investigating in conjunction with UMass Dartmouth police.

"This has been a very difficult week for the Corsair community," Fuller wrote in the message.

"We feel a collective pain even if we do not personally know those who have passed...If you need support, please reach out to someone."

"Please keep Frank's family, friends, and classmates in your thoughts and prayers," the chancellor added. "He will be sorely missed."

According to Fuller's message, the university will provide extra hours at the counseling center through 7 p.m. Friday.

He noted that the after-hours support help line is also available at 508-910-4357.

Faculty and staff can also receive free counseling through the Employee Assistance Program, Fuller stated.

More resources are available at umassd.edu/counseling.