A grim discovery on UC Berkeley's central lawn halted foot traffic yesterday after staff members found a body near Sproul Hall shortly after noon, university police said. Officers secured the area as investigators and the coroner arrived. Officials have not yet released the person’s identity or the cause of death.
What officials said
Sgt. Jacob Westlie of the University of California Police told reporters the body was discovered on the lawn next to Sproul Hall and that foul play was not immediately suspected, according to CBS News. Westlie also said the deceased did not appear to be affiliated with the university. Officers taped off the area and the Alameda County coroner transported the body at about 2 PM.
Second death reported on campus
Adam Ratliff with Student Affairs said, "The campus has become aware of reports that a person has passed away near our campus housing on April 21, 2026," according to CBS News. That statement referred to a separate death reported on Tuesday, making this the second death tied to campus property in about 24 hours.
Campus response and resources
UCPD reminded the campus community that counseling and mental-health resources are available, directing students to UC Berkeley's Student Mental Health site and to call 510-642-9494 or, after hours, 855-817-5667, according to The Berkeley Scanner. The department also said drop-in counseling is available in residence halls for students who need immediate support.
What we know and what's next
The Alameda County coroner will determine the cause and manner of death, and UCPD said it will continue to investigate the circumstances of the discovery. Anyone with information is asked to contact the UC Berkeley Police Department at (510) 642-6760, according to UCPD.
