Local Student Found Dead

A University of Scranton student from New Jersey was found dead early Sunday on his 20th birthday, authorities said.

Robert Skaf was pronounced dead around 6:30 a.m. at an apartment on Taylor Avenue, Lackawanna County Deputy Coroner Joseph Swoboda said. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday.

Skaf, a sophomore who lived on campus, was at a party at the Taylor Avenue home Saturday afternoon and was later seen at a city bar, Lackawanna County Assistant District Attorney Eugene Talerico said.

Police planned to search the home. Detectives are determining whether alcohol played a part in the death, Talerico said.

Skaf, who lived in Cherry Hill, was "an energetic young man with a winning personality," the Rev. Joseph McShane, president of the University of Scranton, said in a statement.

Skaf, a management major, was the lead singer and guitarist for The Obvious, a local rock band.

Author: 6 ABC-AP