WESTFIELD – The body of a 19-year-old Westfield State University student was found in Stanley Park yesterday morning, the result of what police believe to be a suicide.
Westfield Police Lt. Jerome Pitoniak confirmed discovery of the body, later identified as Kevin Friedland, a sophomore biology major from Marshfield, Massachusetts.
“We do not have a lot of information to give out, but it is a non-suspicious death,” Pitoniak said.
City police report that a Western Avenue resident passing by cross-country skiing reported to police at 11:07 a.m. that a person could be seen hanging from a bridge inside the park.
An officer who hiked into the park to an area not accessible by conventional motor vehicles confirmed that the male party appeared to be deceased.
Detective Brain Fanion responded and, triggered by his response, a representative of the coroner also responded, as did State Police detectives assigned to the Hampden County District Attorney’s office
Dr. Elizabeth H. Preston, president of Westfield State University this morning issued a statement on Friedland’s death.
“Westfield State University is extremely saddened,” she said in the statement. “The cause of death is under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police and the City of Westfield Police department, but there is no evidence of foul play. University staff are making every effort to understand the circumstances surrounding Kevin’s death.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Kevin’s family and friends for their profound loss.
It is heartbreaking to lose a member of our community, and we are all affected by Kevin’s death. Our Counseling Center and Residential Life staff are working together to provide support to students and the campus.”
Fanion reports that the death is being treated as a suicide by all the relevant agencies.
