Maximilian 'Max' Cardone, a 21-year-old cybersecurity student at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), has been found dead days after he was reported missing. Cardone was last seen near Niagara Falls on October 21.
Police were alerted about the student's disappearance on October 22, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his last known location as being near Niagara Falls around 11 a.m. on October 21. A week after he went missing, Dr. Sandra Johnson, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs at RIT, shared the news of Cardone's passing with the university community on Friday.
"I have difficult news to share with you all today. Maximilian (Max) Cardone, the RIT student who was recently reported missing, has passed away," Johnson stated in a message to students. She extended condolences to his family, friends, and classmates.
Cardone, who hailed from Albany, began his studies at RIT in Fall 2023, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity at the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences. His family had shared with Johnson that RIT was his top choice and he took pride in being part of the university community.
The cause of Cardone's death has not yet been released. The case has been transferred to the New York State Police and the New York State Park Police, according to Sergeant Brendan Hurley. Information regarding services for Cardone is not yet available, and further details will be shared when appropriate.
Johnson encouraged students to utilize available university resources as they cope with the news and urged them to "care for yourselves and one another."