A University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign student was found dead on campus this Saturday, marking a tragedy that has led to an ongoing investigation by local authorities and the university's police department.
The 18-year-old undergrad, identified as Akul B. Dhawan by the Champaign County Coroner's Office, became the subject of a search after his roommate alerted the university police to his disappearance, a search that began around 1:23 a.m. but didn't end until his body was found at around 11:08 a.m on the back porch of a building on campus, according to NBC Chicago.
The coroner pronounced Dhawan dead at the scene, which was located near the intersection of W. Nevada St. and S. Goodwin Ave, as detailed by FOX 32 Chicago.
There appear to be no signs of foul play, however, the incident isn't fully understood. Preliminary information suggested that the death could be accidental. The University of Illinois Police Department, the Champaign County Coroner’s Office, and the Illinois State Police are still piecing together the circumstances leading to Dhawan's untimely death, with the coroner scheduled to perform an autopsy on Monday.
Investigators are urging anyone with potentially relevant information to come forward and contact the University of Illinois Police Department at 217-333-1216 to assist in bringing clarity to Dhawan's sudden passing.
