ITHACA, N.Y. -- Counselors at Cornell University are offering special services to groups and individual students following confirmation of the death of Cornell freshman student Daniel A. Pirfo, Thursday, May 12.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dan Pirfo," said Susan H. Murphy, Cornell vice president for student and academic services. "Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and his many friends. During this time, the university is offering support and counsel to all who have been touched by this tragic event."

Pirfo, 19, from Washington, D.C., was reported missing April 25 after having last been seen April 24 in his Mews Hall residence on campus. An extensive ground and aerial search for the missing student was carried out by Cornell University Police and the Ithaca Police Department, with support from other agencies. Pirfo's body was discovered by three fishermen May 10 at the base of Ithaca Falls on Fall Creek near campus.

The positive identification of the body was announced today by the Tompkins County medical examiner and the Ithaca Police Department, which is handling the investigation. 

Cornell's Office of the Dean of Students and the university's Community Support Team are arranging and leading community support efforts on campus, including arranging for group discussions with affected students and community members. Other support services also are being made available.

An outdoor "Candlelight Memorial Gathering for Dan Pirfo '08" will be held this Saturday, May 14, at 10 p.m. on Rawlings Green on Cornell's North Campus. It is open to all. For more information, contact Janet Shortall, Cornell United Religious Work, at 255-4214.