"Massachusetts state police told our officialsthat they would contact the parents through theEvanston police," Huppe said.

"They said it was essential that they do so fortheir procedures," Huppe added.

Huppe said the Massachusetts Eye and EarInfirmary went ahead and called Okrent's familydespite police procedures.

"They should be called to task for that," hesaid.

Lawrence Okrent said Evanston police did cometo the family's home at about 10 a.m. with thenews.

"At that point," he said, "there was nothingthey could tell us that we didn't already know."

Neugeboren said he--accompanied by HUPDOfficers--notified Okrent's roommates at about7:30 a.m. yesterday.

Neugeboren said they went to Okrent's residence"to see if there was anything in the room thatwould tell us why he was in Revere."

The Wares were notified early this morning ofthe news. According to James Ware, tutors werenotified throughout the day.

"Everyone's really in shock right now," JamesWare said. "We're notifying individuals."

He said counseling services will be availablefor any Cabot House resident and last nightstudents received a handout detailing ways to dealwith a traumatic experience.

Friends, Family React

Those at Harvard who knew Okrent--who went bythe nickname "Oak"--described him as a greatfriend.

"He's been a really amazing person ever sincehigh school," said Rebecca C. Weiss '99, whoattended Evanston Township High school inEvanston, III. with Okrent.

"In high school, there was no one who wasbetter-liked than him," Weiss said.