President Mote's Statement on Early Morning Fire

The University of Maryland was deeply saddened when we learned that an early morning fire yesterday in the City of College Park claimed the life of one student, Michael Anthony Scrocca, 22, and left another seriously injured. On behalf of the university community, I extend deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims of this terrible tragedy. We are relieved that other students in the house escaped unharmed. The fire occurred in a privately owned house on Princeton Avenue, not far from the university campus. The Red Cross responded to the scene at the request of the PG Fire department and offered immediate assistance in the form of temporary housing, food and counseling services.

University of Maryland officials are providing ongoing counseling services, housing, food and clothing for the survivors, and the university will provide hotel housing for parents who may come from out of town. Staff counselors for students, parents, faculty and staff can be reached at 301.314.7651. The university chapel is also open.

The Prince George's County Fire and Police Departments are responsible for the investigation of this incident. The University of Maryland Department of Public Safety responded to the scene of the fire and provided on-site resources at their facility at the request of the Fire Department.

The university commends the PG County Fire Department, including the volunteer firefighters, many of whom are university students, who responded quickly to the fire and helped to rescue occupants of the house.

C.D. Mote Jr.
President