Bates College student reported missing in Rome

A Bates College student studying abroad in Italy has been reported missing.

Officials at the private college in Lewiston released a statement Friday announcing the disappearance of John Durkin, an economics major from Rye Beach, N.H.

Durkin, 21, is participating in a study-abroad program through Trinity College, based in Hartford, Conn., which has a campus in Rome.

Twitter and Facebook accounts set up by family members Friday indicated that Durkin was last seen early Thursday morning. He and some other students went to a bar called Sloppy Sam’s in Campo de Fiori, a section of Rome. Durkin did not return home.

“On-site staff from Trinity are working actively with the Italian authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding his disappearance,” the Bates College statement read. “We are very concerned about John and will share further news as it becomes available.”

Posts on the social media sites indicated that Durkin’s father and uncle were traveling to Italy to help search for him.

Durkin is a linebacker on the Bates College football team. He missed most of the 2013 season with injuries, according to information on the school’s website, but in 2012, he was second on the team with 57 tackles, including a team-leading 12 tackles for a loss.

Andy Walter, sports information director for the college, said Durkin’s coach, Mark Harriman, was not prepared Friday to comment on the disappearance.

Eric Russell can be contacted at 791-6344 or:

[email protected]

Twitter: @PPHEricRussell

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