Missing Clarkson student found dead

POTSDAM, New York (WWNY) - A Clarkson University student who went missing Tuesday has been found dead.

Potsdam police say a preliminary investigation shows 18-year-old Stone Mercurio’s wounds were self-inflicted. They say there are no concerns for the public’s safety.

When they reported Mercurio missing, they say they believed he was “in crisis,” although they didn’t specify in what way.

Potsdam police were asked to help locate him after Clarkson campus security was asked to check on his welfare, but couldn’t find him.

Police say there are support services on both SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson University campuses to help students dealing with any mental health issues.

“I just want to remind everyone that there is always someone there to listen to you. There’s always another step that can be taken and certainly our student community - we want to encourage them to use those resources available on campus,” said Potsdam Police Lieutenant Michael Ames.

New York State Forest Rangers, state police, the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, and Clarkson University Safety and Security assisted in the search with personnel, special services, and equipment.

“We called in the forest rangers because we were in a rural forest area. We deployed our drone, K9 from the state police was deployed, so we had many resources out there looking for this individual,” said Sheriff Brooks Bigwarfe.

The sheriff’s office is handling the investigation into Mercurio’s death.

Below is our story from earlier Wednesday.

POTSDAM, New York (WWNY) - The Potsdam Police Department is asking for help finding a Clarkson University student who they believe is in crisis.

Police say 18-year-old Stone Mercurio was last seen around noon on Tuesday near the Barking Dog Saloon.

Mercurio is 5 feet, 7 inches tall with a medium build and light brown hair. He was seen wearing a grey and white jacket, blue jeans, and a ball cap.

Police say Mercurio is travelling on foot and may be heading to the Hannawa Falls area. He’s believed to be wearing a backpack and may be carrying a black nylon case.

Clarkson University Safety and Security called Potsdam Police to assist after campus security was unable to locate Mercurio when they were asked to check on his welfare.

Police say any information the public has could prove critical. Anyone with information can call police at 315-265-2121.

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