Yesterday, MIT sophomore Nicolas E. Del Castillo was found dead in his room in the East Campus dormitory. An investigation headed by the Massachusetts State Police and the Middlesex County District Attorney is under way; this is standard protocol in the case of a sudden death. The MIT Police are assisting in the investigation.



Officials report that at this time there is no reason to suspect foul play.



“This is a tragedy for the MIT community,” said MIT Chancellor Eric Grimson. “Our thoughts are with Nicolas’s family, and we are reaching out to MIT students and others at the Institute who will be most affected by this loss.”



MIT’s full range of student support and mental health services is being made available to the residents of East Campus and all members of the MIT community. According to Barbara Baker, Senior Associate Dean for Students, the Housemaster/Graduate Resident Tutor structure plays a critical role in supporting students at times like these, as do the Resident Advisors in the Fraternities, Sororities, and Independent Living Groups (FSILGs). Students are encouraged to reach out to these important resources.



All members of the MIT community who feel affected by this death are encouraged to contact Mental Health Services at 617-253-2916.

