A UCC student found dead at Hutchland Beach has sparked grief and concern across the University of Cape Coast community, with police and university authorities launching separate investigations into the death of Level 200 student Innocentia Atsufui Avinu.
The discovery has sent shockwaves through the university community, prompting concerns among students and renewed calls for a thorough investigation to establish exactly what happened.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more interesting and relevant news
According to a statement issued by the university’s Directorate of Public Affairs, the institution began coordinating its response immediately after police indicated that the deceased was a UCC student.
The Office of the Dean of Students’ Affairs has since been working closely with the UCC District Police Command to assist with identification procedures and the gathering of relevant information.
UCC working with police over Innocentia Avinu’s death
University authorities confirmed that management has been fully briefed on the incident and is supporting ongoing investigations while also providing assistance to the bereaved family.
Officials disclosed that the family visited the police station on Saturday, 13 June 2026, to identify the body after it was recovered from Hutchland Beach.
“The University Management has been duly informed, and appropriate support measures are being extended to the family, the affected roommate, colleague students, and course mates during this difficult period,” Acting Director of the Directorate of Public Affairs, Dr Kwabena Antwi-Konadu, said in the statement.
The university also revealed that counselling and other support services are being provided to Ms Avinu’s roommate, classmates and the wider student community affected by the tragedy.
Innocentia Avinu reportedly went missing after leaving her hostel
Preliminary information indicates that Innocentia Avinu lived in a private hostel at Amamoma and was last seen on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, at about 7:00 p.m.
According to her roommate’s account to investigators, she received a phone call before leaving the room in casual clothing and never returned.
Separate reports suggest she had informed friends she was leaving campus to meet an acquaintance outside the university community before she went missing.
Her disappearance had raised concern among students and residents before the tragic discovery of her body days later.
Authorities have not officially disclosed the full condition of the body, although reports indicate there may have been missing body parts. Police have yet to confirm those claims publicly.
Police investigations continue as post-mortem planned
Police have taken charge of the criminal investigation and are expected to obtain a coroner’s form on Monday, 15 June 2026, ahead of a post-mortem examination that will help determine the exact cause of death.
Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and establish the sequence of events leading to the student’s death.
Both the university and the police have appealed to the public to refrain from circulating unverified information, warning that speculation and misinformation could interfere with ongoing investigations and cause further distress to the bereaved family and the university community.
The circumstances surrounding Innocentia Avinu’s death remain under investigation.
