Cornell Student Dies in California

Michael Curtis Augustin ’12, a 33-year-old undergraduate at Cornell, died Sunday at the Stanford University Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif., according to a statement released by President David Skorton.

The cause of death had not been determined as of Monday, Skorton said. Claudia Wheatley, deputy director of University communications, added that the University had not been notified of a cause of death as of Wednesday night.

“[Augustin’s] hard work and perseverance were leading him toward a promising future,” Skorton said. “Recognized as one of our promising undergraduate scholars, Michael was in Palo Alto on a Cornell Biology Research Fellowship.”

Augustin, who transferred in 2010 from Essex County College in New Jersey, was expected to receive his degree in earth and atmospheric sciences this December.

“On behalf of the entire Cornell community, I want to extend my deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, colleagues and mentors,” Skorton said.