Sources: Maryland High School Student Found Dead Left Party Alone Despite Concerns for His Safety

A Maryland high school student who went missing late Saturday was found dead in a wooded area Sunday, devastating his community. 

Navid Nicholas Sepehri's body was found in Bethesda after he never got home Saturday night. He was 17 and a senior at Walt Whitman High School.

Sepehri was found dead after he left a party alone despite friends' concerns about his welfare, Montgomery County police and sources told News4. 

It's not immediately clear how Sepehri died, but there was no evidence of foul play, Montgomery County police said. 

"The circumstances of his death are still under investigation at this time," Cmdr. Paul Liquorie said late Sunday.

In an email to the Whitman High community, Principal Alan Goodwin said "initial information suggests Navid’s death may have been accidental." Police did not comment on that assessment. 

On Monday, Sepehri's friends and classmates took flowers to the area where his body was found and spelled out "NAV" in white votive candles.

Sepehri was last seen about 11:30 Saturday, police said. He went to a party on Elgin Lane that was broken up by police because of noise and suspected underage drinking.

"The caller is anonymous, says there's an underage drinking party at this address," a police dispatcher said. "Loud, there's a bonfire in the backyard."

Police then broke up the party and attendees dispersed.

"The house is controlled. Couple kids ran off," a second person said on police radios.

"If you see any vehicles, stop them. They may possibly be drunk," the dispatcher said.

When the partygoers dispersed, Sepehri's friends offered to call him an Uber. But he said he was OK and disappeared on foot, sources said. 

He never arrived home. 

He was reported missing after noon Sunday. 

Police searched for him, and his body was found near nightfall on the 6500 block of Laverock Lane, in a wooded area near the Bannockburn Swim Club. Sepehri lived less than three miles away.

Whitman High's principal sent an email Sunday informing the school community of the student's death.

"For those of you who knew Navid, we ask that you remember and celebrate his love of art and commitment to others. For those of you who did not know Navid, we ask that you support Navid’s friends and family during this time of loss," the email said.

Grief counselors were available at the school Monday. Friday was declared Whitman Strong Day. Students will write "hopeful comments on a Whitman Strong paperchain." 

"During the day, we hope everyone will express kindness to each other," the principal said in an email. 

A medical examiner will determine the manner and cause of Sepehri's death, Sgt. Rebecca Innocenti said Monday.

Anyone with information for police is asked to call 240-773-5070.

Here's the full letter from Whitman High: 

Dear Whitman Community,

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Navid Sepehri, one of our 12th grade students. Initial information suggests Navid’s death may have been accidental, but we do not have details at this time. Navid’s sister ... is a freshman at Whitman, as well.

For those of you who knew Navid, we ask that you remember and celebrate his love of art and commitment to others. For those of you who did not know Navid, we ask that you support Navid’s friends and family during this time of loss.

It is very difficult for all of us to face the death of a young person. Monday, a support team of psychologists, counselors, and pupil personnel workers from Montgomery County Public Schools will work with our staff members to provide counseling and support to students. Students who need additional support should contact their school counselor. Counselors will be available in the media center all day.

Your child may be coming home with questions and worries. Our community has experienced a tremendous loss in the last weeks. I am confident in our ability to support one another as we grieve the loss of Navid. Please be attentive to each other and keep our staff informed of any way we can support our students.

I know you join me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to Navid’s family. When we receive word regarding funeral arrangements, I will share the information with you. Again, please do not hesitate to contact the school at 301-320-6600 if you have any concerns or questions.