Ohio State student Frank Bodi was always joyful.
“He was a great kid, he was always smiling, he always had a smile on his face,” said Julie Bodi, Frank Bodi’s mother.
She said her son had plans to work at an internship this summer, where he would take six months off school before completing his degree in engineering.
“He loved chemical engineering,” she said. “It was his passion.”
Twenty-two-year-old Frank Bodi died at the Theta Tau fraternity house Saturday, the engineering fraternity of which he was a member. Theta Tau fraternity Sigma chapter president and third-year in mechanical engineering Eric Sessler said in an email Frank Bodi was outgoing, and the kind of person who could hold a conversation with anyone.
“If you ever went with him to a party and people asked you who you knew, just saying ‘Frank Bodi,’ everyone would smile and laugh and start telling stories about some fun times they had had with him and what a great guy he was,” Sessler said.
Undergraduate Student Government President Taylor Stepp said Frank Bodi was one of the first people who encouraged him to run for USG president. Frank Bodi served as the USG director of safety from 2011-2012 under then-president Nick Messenger.
“He was a really outgoing guy, I cannot remember seeing him without a smile on his face,” Stepp said. “No one saw this coming, and when I found out I was shocked … he was the happiest, most smiliest guy around.”
Several vehicles from the Columbus Division of Police were seen outside the Theta Tau house at 1946 Indianola Ave. after 11 p.m. Saturday.
Representatives from Columbus Police did not return requests for comment Sunday.
Student Life spokesman Dave Isaacs was unable to confirm cause of death, but pointed students in need to university services.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to family and friends. Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service, and our Student Advocacy Center, are offering whatever help and support may be needed,” said Isaacs in an email.
Michael Abraham, executive director of Theta Tau based in Austin, Texas, said in a Sunday email he had met Frank Bodi on several occasions, and called him “an intelligent young man, a dedicated student, and a good and loyal brother.”
“It is difficult to imagine that he is gone so suddenly. I hope that any time students feel overwhelmed about anything that they reach out to professionals who can assist without delay,” Abraham said.
“His family, friends and brothers have my concerted prayers and deepest condolences.”
OSU has services aimed to help students in need, including Counseling and Consultation Services through the Office of Student Life, which provides scheduled and emergency appointments.
Frank Bodi will be greatly missed by the brothers of Theta Tau, Sessler said.
“He was my friend, and above that, my brother,” he said. “And he always will be.”
Julie Bodi said Sunday, “We were very proud of him.”
