Victim in fatal New Jersey bear attack was Rutgers student

WEST MILFORD -- A 22-year-old Rutgers University student was killed in a rare bear attack in northern New Jersey Sunday.

Authorities believe a black bear attacked and killed Darsh Patel, who was hiking with friends at the time.

West Milford police say the five friends, who were all from Edison, were walking in the Apshawa Preserve when they encountered the 300-pound black bear. Police say the group became frightened and ran in different directions, then noticed one member was missing when they regrouped.

A search team located the body of Patel. Police say evidence indicated he had been attacked by a bear.

The bear was circling the victim when sheriff's officers and wildlife officials killed it, authorities say.

West Milford Police Chief Timothy Storbeck says the bear was 30 to 40 yards from the body and wouldn't leave when officers tried to scare it away.

Environmental officials say it's the first fatal bear attack in New Jersey on record.

State wildlife officials are assisting with the investigation.

The Apshawa Preserve is a 576-acre natural area used for hiking and bird watching.

Darsh was the second Rutgers University student to pass away over the weekend. Sophomore Caitlyn Kovacs died from an apparent alcohol overdose at a fraternity house overnight Sunday.

Rutgers released the following statement.

"I deeply regret to report that we learned this morning of the passing of another Rutgers student, Darsh Patel, a senior in the School of Arts and Sciences majoring in information technology and informatics. Darsh was killed in a bear attack yesterday while hiking with friends in a wooded area of Passaic County. As we grieve over his tragic passing, please know that our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones and to all his friends and fellow students at Rutgers. Please know that members of the Rutgers community can call CAPS (Counseling, ADAP, and Psychiatric Services) on the College Avenue Campus for counseling at 848-932-7884. A counselor is on call all day Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at the counseling center, located at 17 Senior Street in New Brunswick, for those with urgent needs. Today we will also have other counselors available from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs' conference room on the 4th floor of the College Avenue Student Center. In addition, the Dean of Students office located at Bishop House on College Avenue will offer open hours today from 9:00 to 5:00 for students needing support or accommodations. Do not hesitate to take advantage of these services; we are here to help. At the core of our university's mission is our primary concern for the well-being of our students, and it is at heartbreaking moments like this that we must take special care to reach out with compassion and support."

(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)