Search underway to find missing alumnus
Missing alumnus Cody Dial '09 has been missing since July. He disappeared while exploring Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica. His family and friends continue to search for him. Photo of Cody Dial that appears on the GoFundMe.com site
William & Mary alumnus Cody Dial ’09 recently went missing in Costa Rica, and fellow Tribe alumni are helping with the effort to find him.
According to media reports, Cody Dial, who was on a break from pursuing his master’s degree in environmental science at Alaska Pacific University, went missing in July while exploring Corcovado National Park.
Cody Dial’s father, Roman Dial – a noted wilderness expert and professor of biology and mathematics at APU – joined the search for his son at the end of July. The Red Cross and the park service have since ended their efforts, but Roman Dial and his wife, Peggy, are continuing to search with the help of donated funds.
Roman Dial established a fundraising page on GoFundMe.com Sept. 10. Just one day later, about $4,200 of the $15,000 goal had already been raised, thanks in part to the efforts of W&M alumni like Eric Goldman ’06 who are helping to promote the site.
Goldman and Cody Dial, a biology major, were both members of the Psi Upsilon fratenity at William & Mary.
"Cody Roman is a passionate environmentalist and outdoorsman, and an even better friend," Goldman said.
And it is for that friend that Goldman and other alumni have been helping to coordinate fundraising efforts and spreading awareness about Cody Roman's disappearance.
"I think it's important for the W&M community to be involved," said Goldman. "It's easy to brag about your sports teams or come home to homecoming, but coming together to help someone in need is what a community is all about."
Like so many others, Goldman ultimately hopes that Cody Roman is found and that "[we] get to hear his latest crazing hiking story. At the very least, I hope we're able to bring his family some closure."
