Bodies of two missing URI students recovered

KINGSTON, RI — April 27, 2006 — The University of Rhode Island has learned that the State Medical Examiner’s Office has identified bodies recovered from waters off of the Port of Galilee and Newport’s Breton Point as two of three URI students who were reported missing in the early hours of March 13.


The body of Daniel P. Donahue, 20, of Glocester, was recovered from the waters off the Port of Galilee in Narragansett on Wednesday, April 26; and that of Fandia Mahoud Shloul, 21, of Pawtucket, was found on Thursday, April 27. Geoffrey M. Wilkes, 18, of Glocester, remains missing.


All three URI students were last seen on a boat in the Bonnet Shores section of Narragansett.


“We continue to hold all the families and friends of Daniel, Fandia and Geoffrey in our hearts during these difficult times,” URI President Robert L. Carothers said.


The University’s Counseling Center has extended its hours and will also make staff available for off-campus visits if such requests are made. The Center can be reached at 401-874-2288.


Department of Environmental Management environmental police officers, working closely with the Narragansett Police Department, the Rhode Island State Police, Providence Police, and fire departments from Narragansett, North Kingstown and Jamestown, have participated in the search and rescue efforts since March 15, when the U.S. Coast Guard search for the students was suspended. The public is encouraged to report any new information regarding the case to DEM’s Division of Law Enforcement at 401-222-2284.

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(4/27/06-5:40 p.m. est)