Michael DeVito, a 19-year-old sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, died after he was found unconscious by the Boston Police Department at 50 Gardner St. Thursday morning.
BPD was responding to a report of an unconscious person at about 8:30 a.m. and emergency medical technicians were already on the scene, BPD spokesman David Estrada said. DeVito was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead.
50 Gardner St. is a house occupied by members of the Sigma Chi fraternity, according to Boston University.
BPD does not suspect foul play at this time, and the investigation into DeVito’s death is ongoing, Estrada said. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.
Though police could not confirm what preexisting condition may have factored in the death, DeVito’s family said in an interview with LoHud.com that he had been diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White syndrome, a condition that causes electrical signal abnormalities in the heart. However, they said they believed the condition was benign and DeVito did not take medication.
The American Heart Association website says people with the syndrome may have symptoms such as dizziness, chest palpitations and fainting, but rarely have been known to go into cardiac arrest.
Many students learned of DeVito’s death through an email from Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore.
“Michael’s passing is a shock for me and also for our students and their families,” Elmore wrote. “During this time of tragedy, I encourage us all to connect and support each other.”
About 50 people attended a counseling and remembrance session held in the Howard Thurman Center Thursday evening.
Friends and classmates said the Rye, N.Y. resident had recently declared his major in mathematics.
“He was still a Yankees fan even though he moved to Boston,” said Tony Pahumi, a friend and CAS sophomore who was at the HTC session.
Pahumi reminisced about other things Michael enjoyed.
“He has always loved Shakespeare and was a sensitive guy,” he said. “He always said “Titanic’ was one of his favorite movies.”
CAS sophomore CJ Beck said he would remember Michael as a fun-loving guy who had many goals.
“He was really sure of himself and he was so infectious,” he said. “Just so happy and ecstatic in life. He was happy all the time.”
Other friends said Michael cared a lot about his family and talked about them frequently.
“He loved his Mom more than anything and was so proud of her,” said School of Management sophomore Sneha Sett. “He talked about her all the time.”
Sett said Michael was “the best dancer” and the most fun to be around. She remembered a time when they were freshmen and Michael cheered everyone up.
“We were in an elevator full of people and he started singing and dancing, trying to make everyone have a good time,” she said. “That’s the kind of person he was.”
College of General Studies sophomore Ben Levine knew DeVito through the Sigma Chi fraternity, where he said DeVito pledged and became an initiated brother in the Fall 2009 semester.
“Looking back on it, Mike would always go out of his way to do anything for anyone,” he said. “He was glad to help anyone when they needed help.”
Levine, the treasurer of the fraternity, said DeVito would often come to him to see if there was anything he could help with and was constantly trying to learn new things in as many areas as he could.
CAS sophomore and Sigma Chi brother Aleem Aziz said DeVito made sure no one was ever alone. He reflected on DeVito’s flexibility in situations and how accommodating he was, saying DeVito never let anyone down.
“He never had a bad attitude, and he was both selfless and unselfish,” he said. “Mike was just never upset or disappointed. He always had a smile.”
Aziz said that as a member of Sigma Chi, DeVito was always ready to contribute to the group.
“He was very involved with the philanthropy and community service aspect of the frat,” Aleem said. “He loved giving back, and he loved reaching out to people.”
This is a time where students can come together, Elmore said in an interview with The Daily Free Press.
“These sorts of moments can really demonstrate how much people care,” he said. “Where people realize how important people’s lives are. I hope people will continue to celebrate him and his life, and turn to each other for support.”
Elmore confirmed that BU will wait for the DeVito family to determine when the best time will be for a memorial service on campus.
DeVito’s wake will be held Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home in Mamaroneck, N.Y., and a funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, at St. Gregory the Great Rectory and Church in Harrison, N.Y.
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