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State, local and Boston College police continued their search Wednesday for Boston College student Franco Garcia, who was reported missing last week.
Using helicopters, K-9 units, diving teams and sonar equipment, Massachusetts State Police have searched the Chestnut Hill Reservoir and — in collaboration with Boston College, Boston and Newton police — combed nearby woods and adjacent neighborhoods as well as the BC campus.
The 21-year-old Garcia, a West Newton resident and student in the Woods College of Advancing Studies, was last seen around 12:15 a.m. on Feb. 22 at the Cleveland Circle bar Mary Ann’s. Friends and family members grew concerned when Garcia did not respond to texts or phone calls, and their concern deepened when he did not show up later on Feb. 22 for class at BC or his job in Waltham — behavior said to be unusual for him.
A missing person report was filed on Feb. 23 with Newton Police, who have been aided in the search by BC, Boston and state police.
The report of Garcia’s disappearance sparked efforts among members of the Boston College community to assist in the search. The University posted alerts online as well as via e-mail and social media, and students passed out fliers throughout Boston and Newton requesting any information that might aid the search for him. Students also used social media as part of the outreach.
Prayers have been offered for Garcia and his family and friends at each of the daily Masses held this week by Campus Ministry. A Mass is scheduled today at noon in Cushing Chapel and St. Joseph’s Chapel at 10 p.m.; Masses will be said at St. Mary’s Chapel today and tomorrow at 8 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon.
Garcia, a 2008 Newton North High School graduate, is a clarinetist who is a member of the marching and symphonic bands, and has been working as a certified pharmacy technician at a CVS in Waltham. Friends have described the popular student as a talented musician and a charismatic person.
“The Boston College community remains hopeful that Franco will be found safe, and are offering all our prayers and Masses for him, his family and many BC friends. The Marching Band, Symphonic Band and Pep Bands all are affected by this occurrence and are pulling together in solidarity and prayer for Franco and for each other,” said Campus Minister Fr. Donald MacMillan, SJ.
“We are profoundly saddened by the ordeal of the Garcia family and their friends, and want them to know that the entire BC Community cares very much for Franco and hopes for his safe return. Boston College is a community at prayer.”
Anyone with information that may be helpful to the investigation is asked to contact the Newton Police at 617-796-2100.