Michael Altieri died from suicide at Ellingson Hall in Rochester Institute of Technology

Michael Altieri, a student at RIT/NTID hailing from Westfield, N.J., passed away by suicide. He was enrolled in the architectural and civil drafting technology program at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

RIT urges you to hold Michael’s family, friends, and dear ones in your hearts during these difficult days as we grieve together over this devastating loss. Our team has been in touch with Michael’s family and those closest to him to extend our support. At present, there are no details available regarding funeral or memorial service arrangements.

Dr. Sandra (Sandy) Johnson, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs, expresses, “As we unite in sorrow over this heartbreaking event, I want to make certain that every member of our community is aware of the available resources to navigate through such a difficult time. Students seeking support or desiring to express their feelings of grief can turn to the staff at Counseling and Psychological Services, the chaplains in Spirituality and Religious Life, and the counselors in NTID Counseling & Academic Advising Services.”

• Counseling and Psychological Services can be contacted via secure message on the RIT Wellness Portal or via phone at 585-475-2261. If you need to connect with mental health support services outside of business hours, call the 24-hour mental health line at 1-855-436-1245. Counselors fluent in ASL are available.
• Spirituality and Religious Life staff and chaplains can be contacted via email or by phone at 585-475-5932.
• NTID counselors/academic advisors provide counseling services to all deaf and hard-of-hearing students at RIT. Connect with the NTID Counseling & Academic Advising Services if you are seeking support.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to utilize RIT’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support services provided at no charge to eligible employees.