Vice provost’s message to students on death of Stanford undergraduate

I am deeply saddened to share the news of the death of a Stanford undergraduate.

We were informed this morning that Mischa Nee, a junior from Palo Alto, died while traveling in Mallorca, Spain. Mischa was part of a group of Stanford undergraduates who had been studying in Europe during the winter quarter and recently arrived in Mallorca for a visit.

We understand that the group went for a day hike on Friday afternoon, and other members of the group lost sight of Mischa while he was exploring a nearby hill. Local authorities began a search of the area late Friday and resumed it on Saturday, when Mischa’s body was discovered. Local news reports suggest he fell some distance in difficult, rocky terrain.

Mischa Nee was a junior majoring in computer science. (Image credit: Courtesy of the Nee family)

Nothing in our community is worse than the death of a student, and it is with deep sorrow that I share this news. We have been in touch with Mischa’s family and with our other students in Mallorca. Since learning of Mischa’s disappearance, we have initiated our international emergency response to provide support in this difficult time, and that support will continue.

Mischa was majoring in computer science at Stanford and planning a minor in art history or studio art. He had studied last quarter in the Bing Overseas Studies Program in Florence, Italy, and previously in the Bing program in Madrid, Spain. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, for whom this is a terrible and heart-wrenching moment.

Please know that resources are available to support anyone in our community who is grieving the loss of a friend or family member. While many people are away from campus right now, support resources continue to be available. They include:

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers crisis counseling. Walk-in consultations are available during business hours, and clinicians are always on call at (650) 723-3785. More information is available at https://vaden.stanford.edu/get-help-now.
• The Graduate Life Office is available during office hours at (650) 736-7078, or 24/7 at (650) 723-8222, pager ID number 25085.
• The Office for Religious Life offers spiritual guidance for students. Call (650) 723-1762 or visit the Round Room at Memorial Church weekdays.
• Residence Deans (RDs) are professional staff members who help undergraduates navigate support and resources during difficult times. More information is available at https://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/who-we-are/dean-students/residence-deans-0.
• The Faculty Staff Help Center, located in Kingscote Gardens, offers confidential help for Stanford faculty and staff. More information is available at https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/faculty-staff-help-center.
• Please note that The Bridge Peer Counseling Center is closed until April 1.

Sincerely,

Susie Brubaker-Cole
Vice Provost for Student Affairs