In sadness and with affectionate reflection, we write today to share that Ari Frosch, a second-year Medical student, died suddenly last week at home with family in Newton, Massachusetts. Ari was 26 years old and had been on a leave of absence from his Medical studies.
Ari earned his undergraduate degree from Colorado College in 2012. Before enrolling at Penn, he did post-baccalaureate work at Bryn Mawr and worked at the National Cancer Institute. Ari spoke fluent Spanish, had worked in Mexico, and volunteered at Puentes de Salud (“Bridges of Health”), a nonprofit dedicated to improving the health of Philadelphia’s Latino community. He loved rock climbing and also gave his time and talents to Habitat for Humanity.
Ari loved Penn and was part of a proud Penn family. His brother, Zach, graduated from the Perelman School of Medicine in 2014. Their father, Dr. James Frosch, earned his Medical degree from Penn in 1976. Ari shared their dream of wanting to heal and serve others as a physician.
Please know that University staff are working closely to comfort Ari’s extensive Penn network. A support session for friends and classmates will take place tomorrow (Tuesday, September 27) at 12:45pm in the BRB Auditorium, 421 Curie Boulevard.
Family members often wait to hold a formal memorial service. Details will be shared when plans are finalized.
In a caring community, no one should feel alone with their grief. Now, and always, we encourage any student in need to access University resources such as the Division of Public Safety’s 24/7 HELP Line, CAPS, the Chaplain’s Office, a trusted faculty member, or an academic advisor.
RESOURCES
Our ongoing University resources include the following services:
- Division of Public Safety: 24/7 “HELP” line, 215-898-HELP (215-898-4357)
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 215-898-7021 (Nights and weekends, ask for CAPS counselor on call.)
- Student Health Service: 215-746-3535
- Student Intervention Services: 215-898-6081
- University Chaplain’s Office: 215-898-8456