In a message to the university community, Northeastern President Joseph E. Aoun wrote that the search for Dennis Njoroge, 21, “came to a tragic conclusion on New Year’s Eve.” Aoun did not provide details on where Njoroge was found or how he died.

A Northeastern University student who went missing in November has been found dead, the school confirmed on Saturday night.

Law enforcement officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

“Since Dennis’s disappearance several weeks ago, many members of the Northeastern community joined city and state law enforcement officials in a sustained effort to locate him.,” Aoun wrote. “We have confirmed through our work with the Massachusetts State Police that the search has now ended.”


Aoun said Njoroge was a native of Kenya who graduated from Burncoat High School in Worcester. He was studying media arts at the College of Arts, Media and Design.

“He was a familiar face to students at the basketball courts in Marino, and was looking forward to beginning a co-op at a television news station in Boston this month,” Aoun wrote. “Over the holidays, we continued to hope for Dennis’s safe return, even as we felt his absence. He will be missed greatly.”

Northeastern had said previously that Njoroge swiped his school ID to use the gym at the Marino Center on Nov. 28, and that his parents last heard from him the following day.

“I’m deeply grateful to every member of our community, especially Dennis’s fellow students, who leafleted and held events raising awareness of his disappearance,” Aoun wrote in Saturday’s message. “I also thank the members of the NUPD and our Division of Student Affairs, who have provided such caring support during this difficult time.

“I know all of us join in sending our most profound condolences to Dennis’s family and friends.”


Aoun said counseling services will be available at the university.

Globe correspondent Adam Sennott contributed to this report. Travis Andersen can be reached at travis.andersen@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @TAGlobe.