Body of missing UPenn student found in California, investigated as homicide
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (WTXF) - Authorities in California say they have located the body of a missing University of Pennsylvania student and his death is now being investigated as a homicide.
MORE: Body found in Borrego Park identified as missing college student
The body of Blaze Bernstein, 19, was found by Orange County Sheriff's investigators on Tuesday afternoon in some brush at the Foothill Ranch Park.
"So many friends and family that have reached out to us. It's unbelievable what you people have done for us and our son and his memory," his father, Gideon Bernstein, said.
Blaze left his home late last Tuesday night with a friend who drove to a park in Lake Forest, California. Blaze got out of the car and went into the park and vanished.
Authorities had searched for Blaze for several days before his body was found.
He was the incoming managing editor ofPenn Appetit, the student-run food magazine, a copy associate for 34th Street,and wrote opinion columns for the Daily Pennsylvanian. He had not declared a major, but spent his freshman year in the Vagelos Molecular Sciences Program.
Blaze is the 8th Penn student to die so far this year.
Investigators did not release further information regarding the cause of death, but say they are following multiple leads. No suspect is in custody.
The University of Pennsylvania released a list of counseling resources:
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 215-898-7021
Penn counseling center for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, providing care and support in times of crisis, on campus and globally, through campus and community partners. Trained clinicians, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. Any student can be cared for immediately walking into CAPS or by phone 24/7.
University Chaplain's Office:215-898-8456
Provides pastoral support, informal advising, and counseling to students in need of care and comfort, "to be a shoulder, to be an ear, to be a friend, to be a fellow sojourner, to be an advocate, and a faithful presence." The Chaplain's Office works with faith communities and campus ministers who also provide spiritual support. Students of all faiths are warmly welcomed.
Student Health Service: 215-746-3535
Penn's comprehensive primary care center provides accessible care to nurture all students' health and wellness needs. Services address acute, chronic, and preventative care. SHS also provides comprehensive stress-reduction services.
Student Intervention Services:215-898-6081
SIS colleagues support Penn students in emergencies, including personal, family, and community events. SIS also works closely with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Special Services (in the Division of Public Safety), the 12 Schools of the University, faculty, and other campus partners to support students and families experiencing difficult circumstances.
School Advising and Student Affairs Offices
Students who have academic concerns or who experience a crisis that affects their coursework should talk with a School advisor. School advising and academic affairs officers work closely also with faculty members in each of their schools, and other University partners, to support students who can benefit from assistance.
College of Arts and Sciences: 215-898-6341
School of Engineering and Applied Science: 215-898-7246
School of Nursing: 215-898-6687
Wharton: 215-898-7613
Division of Public Safety HELP Line: 215-898-HELP (215-898-4357)
A 24/7 resource connecting Penn students, staff, faculty, and families with Division of Public Safety staff trained by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), this important service connects Penn community members to other important resources and agencies including all of the resources listed above and other Penn support units.