Authorities investigating the death of a Level 200 student of the University of Cape Coast (University of Cape Coast) have confirmed that no visible injuries were found on her body when it was retrieved from the Hutchland Beach area near Duakor in Cape Coast.
The deceased, identified as Innocentia Atsufui Avinu, a Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource) student, was discovered after residents of the Duakor community reported a body washed ashore on Friday, June 12, 2026.
According to a press release issued by the University’s Directorate of Public Affairs, police were alerted at about 6:00 a.m. and immediately proceeded to the scene.
The statement, quoting the UCC District Police Commander, ASP Abdul Abubakar, said officers conducted a preliminary examination upon arrival.
Education Minister orders full probe into death of UCC student
“Following preliminary examination at the scene, the police observed no visible signs of physical injury,” the statement indicated.
The body was subsequently transported to the mortuary at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital for preservation and further forensic processes, pending formal identification.
Police later received information suggesting the deceased was a student of UCC, prompting coordination with the Dean of Students’ Affairs to support identification procedures.
UCC cautions public against spreading false information over student’s death
Further confirmation came after the deceased’s roommate reported to the police station with a photograph, helping to establish the identity of the deceased.
According to the statement, the roommate disclosed that Ms Avinu had last been seen two days earlier at about 7:00 p.m., when she received a phone call and left her hostel room at Amamoma, a nearby community to the university.
“The deceased had last been seen two days earlier, at about 7:00 p.m., when she received a phone call, dressed casually, and left the room,” the roommate was quoted as saying.
The statement added that concern grew among friends and colleagues after the student failed to return to her hostel, prompting efforts to trace her whereabouts throughout the following day. However, those efforts were unsuccessful.
On Saturday, June 13, family members of the deceased arrived at the police station and were escorted to the mortuary, where they formally identified the body.
The University noted that observations made during the family’s identification process were consistent with earlier police findings, again confirming that no visible physical injuries were detected on the body.
With uncertainty still surrounding the cause of death, police say further forensic investigation is required.
ASP Abdul Abubakar indicated that a coroner’s form will be obtained from the court on Monday, June 15, to enable a full post-mortem examination.
“This procedure will enable a pathologist to determine the exact cause of death and provide further clarity on the case,” the statement noted.
The University of Cape Coast has assured the public that investigations are ongoing and urged calm as authorities work to determine what led to the incident.
Management also confirmed that it has been in contact with the bereaved family and is providing support to the deceased student’s relatives, her roommate, course mates, and the wider university community during what it described as a difficult period.
Meanwhile, the University cautioned the public against speculation and misinformation as the investigation continues, stressing that unverified reports could interfere with ongoing police work and cause distress to those affected.
