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A quiet college campus was shaken after two separate deaths unfolded within a single day. The incidents, discovered just hours apart, prompted urgent police response and raised concerns among students. Authorities quickly moved to investigate both cases, stressing there is no immediate danger. Even so, the back-to-back discoveries have left the community searching for answers.
ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Confucius: 'The man who asks a question is a fool for...'—Inspiring quotes by the ancient Chinese philosopher renowned for aphorisms
The first incident unfolded on Tuesday evening, just before 8 p.m., when campus police at the University of California, Berkeley responded to reports of a fall from a building.
Emergency crews arrived near the Unit 3 Residence Hall complex, where they found a student who had died at the scene. The individual was later identified as William Yi Lu, a 21-year-old studying Theater & Performance Studies. He had been expected to graduate in May 2027, as per a report by The US Sun.
Authorities said there were no initial signs suggesting foul play. The Alameda County Medical Examiner and coroner are continuing to determine the exact cause of death.
University spokesman Adam Ratliff acknowledged the situation, saying details were “still developing.” He added, “The campus has become aware of reports that a person has passed away near our campus housing,” and expressed condolences, stating, “We are saddened by this tragic news and wish to extend our condolences to this person’s family and friends.”
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Less than a day later, a second discovery deepened concerns. On Wednesday around midday, university staff found another man’s body in bushes outside Sproul Hall, near Telegraph Avenue and Bancroft Way.
Police said the man did not appear to be affiliated with the university and was believed to be in his late 40s or early 50s. His identity has not yet been released. As with the earlier case, officials reported “no obvious signs of foul play.” The Alameda County coroner will determine how he died.
Despite the timing, investigators have stressed that there is currently no evidence linking the two incidents. Both cases are being handled separately, with authorities continuing to gather details. Police also emphasized that there is no known threat to students or staff, aiming to reassure a community unsettled by the events.
Still, the impact has been felt across campus. University officials have reminded students that counselling and psychological services are available, including both scheduled appointments and drop-in support. Additional after-hours resources have also been made accessible, as per a report by The US Sun.
While investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding what happened in each case — and supporting a campus community coping with two sudden losses in such a short span of time.
ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Roald Dahl: 'If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like...'—Inspiring quotes by the legendary author of beloved, irreverent children’s literature
Police say there is no indication the incidents are linked.
Has anyone been identified?
One victim, a 21-year-old student, has been named, while the other remains unidentified.
ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Confucius: 'The man who asks a question is a fool for...'—Inspiring quotes by the ancient Chinese philosopher renowned for aphorisms
Who was the student found near the residence hall?
The first incident unfolded on Tuesday evening, just before 8 p.m., when campus police at the University of California, Berkeley responded to reports of a fall from a building.
Emergency crews arrived near the Unit 3 Residence Hall complex, where they found a student who had died at the scene. The individual was later identified as William Yi Lu, a 21-year-old studying Theater & Performance Studies. He had been expected to graduate in May 2027, as per a report by The US Sun.
Authorities said there were no initial signs suggesting foul play. The Alameda County Medical Examiner and coroner are continuing to determine the exact cause of death.
University spokesman Adam Ratliff acknowledged the situation, saying details were “still developing.” He added, “The campus has become aware of reports that a person has passed away near our campus housing,” and expressed condolences, stating, “We are saddened by this tragic news and wish to extend our condolences to this person’s family and friends.”
ALSO READ: Roman Proverb of the Day: 'If you have done it, deny it'—The Timeless Roman proverb that exposes our instincts
What is known about the second man discovered on campus?
Less than a day later, a second discovery deepened concerns. On Wednesday around midday, university staff found another man’s body in bushes outside Sproul Hall, near Telegraph Avenue and Bancroft Way.
Police said the man did not appear to be affiliated with the university and was believed to be in his late 40s or early 50s. His identity has not yet been released. As with the earlier case, officials reported “no obvious signs of foul play.” The Alameda County coroner will determine how he died.
Are the two deaths connected in any way?
Despite the timing, investigators have stressed that there is currently no evidence linking the two incidents. Both cases are being handled separately, with authorities continuing to gather details. Police also emphasized that there is no known threat to students or staff, aiming to reassure a community unsettled by the events.
Still, the impact has been felt across campus. University officials have reminded students that counselling and psychological services are available, including both scheduled appointments and drop-in support. Additional after-hours resources have also been made accessible, as per a report by The US Sun.
While investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding what happened in each case — and supporting a campus community coping with two sudden losses in such a short span of time.
ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Roald Dahl: 'If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like...'—Inspiring quotes by the legendary author of beloved, irreverent children’s literature
FAQs
Were the two deaths connected?Police say there is no indication the incidents are linked.
Has anyone been identified?
One victim, a 21-year-old student, has been named, while the other remains unidentified.
