23-Year-Old Stevens Institute Grad Dies of Suspected Overdose in NYC Hotel Mogul's Bathtub

A 23-year-old Stevens Institute of Technology graduate was found dead on Wednesday in the bathtub of a hotel mogul’s New York City home.

Police suspect that Sean Verdi, 23, died of a drug overdose. Hotel developer Ian Reisner, 45, called 911 and reported the incident to police, the New York Post reports.

Shortly thereafter, Verdi was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police reportedly told the New York Post that they do not believe criminal activity played a part in Verdi’s death.

Reports of Reisner’s actions leading up to the 911 call vary. The New York Daily News reported that the hotel developer and two other friends put Verdi in a bathtub after he became unconscious. The Daily News also reported that a source stated that Verdi was high on molly and cocaine at the time of his overdose. No drugs have been found at Reisner’s home.

Verdi received a degree in bioengineering at Stevens in Hoboken last May. At the time of his death, he was looking to open his own business while working as the manager of Bar-tini ultra lounge, a gay-friendly bar in Hells Kitchen, according to NJ.com.

Verdi reportedly met Ian Reisner while working at Bar-tini. The wealthy entrepreneur is the co-founder of Parkview Developers, known for developing The Out NYC hotel in Hells Kitchen, according to NJ.com.

Funeral services for Verdi, or “Seann Gregory” as he was known at Bar-tini, were held on Nov. 3 at November 3 at St. Ephrem Church (929 Bay Ridge Parkway) in Brooklyn, according Next Magazine.

Several of Verdi’s friends and classmates turned to Twitter to express their grief and support for Verdi’s friends and family.

RIP Sean Verdi. countless memories with you, many fun times were had. great friend and brother. always smiling, never evil.we’ll all miss ya

— Justin EdgeQ (@justinschQ) October 29, 2014

My big dysfunctional family. We lost a brother that can’t be replaced, however we will get through this. ❤ #LTH pic.twitter.com/RoO42qjWYv

— Jordon Andjeski (@jandjeski) October 29, 2014

Sean Verdi I promise I will never ever forget you or your incredible kindness. I will live the rest of my life looking up at the skies.

— Gino Philip (@Ginonoir) October 31, 2014

Photo courtesy of @ChrisRyanNYC twitter page.