SECAUCUS AND BEYOND — Vermont newspapers have reported that a missing college student in that state, who hails from Secaucus and whose mother died in the World Trade Center attack in 2001, was found dead in a wooded area of the campus Friday morning.
Kevin Babakitis, 21, played football for Secaucus High School.
The Brattleboro Reformer reports: “Missing Landmark student Kevin Babakitis, 21, of Secaucus, N.J., was found dead on a wooded portion of the campus Friday morning, according to a press release from Landmark College, which is located in Putney. Babakitis’ body was found by college facilities personnel. A cause and time of death have not yet been determined, though the Vermont State Police told college officials there is no reason to suspect foul play.”
Babakitis’ older brother had reported him missing when he failed to turn up during spring break.
Babakitis’ mother Arlene was a Port Authority worker who lived in Secaucus.
The president of the college posted a letter on the college website about the discovery today:
“To Members of the Landmark College Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the sad news that first-semester Landmark student Kevin “Babz” Babakitis, 21, of Secaucus, NJ, has been found dead.
As many of you may know, Kevin was among 50 students who had received permission to remain on campus during the recent spring break. Kevin was last seen at Landmark by one of our Safety and Security officers on Sunday, March 13. He was reported missing to police by his family on March 16 after repeated calls to him were unanswered.
Kevin’s body was found this morning by college Facilities personnel in a wooded area on campus. The cause and time of death have not yet been determined. The Vermont State Police informed the college that at this point there is no reason to suspect foul play.
We had been hopeful about Kevin’s wellbeing due to several reported sightings of him in the local community, as well as recent activity on his Facebook page. Vermont State Police had previously searched the region and campus grounds and forest looking for Kevin without success.
A loss such as this is tragic at any institution, but at a small and close-knit college such as ours, Kevin’s loss is especially personal and profound. Counseling services will be available to students and other members of the Landmark community in the Student Center until midnight tonight, and from noon to midnight on Saturday. Also, all Resident Deans will be available in each hall throughout the weekend.
I know you join me in extending our deepest sympathies to the Babakitis family. I invite you to remember Kevin at a special gathering of the college community this afternoon at 3:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building Greenhoe Theater.
With sadness,
Lynda J. Katz, Ph.D., President”
Friends have been leaving comments at an internet page set up for Kevin HERE.
For prior coverage, see links below.