UCC student found dead at Hutchland Beach as police launch investigations

A Level 200 Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource) student of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has been found dead at the Hutchland Beach area near Duakor in Cape Coast, with police launching investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death.

According to the UCC District Police Commander, ASP Abdul Abubakar, police received a report at about 6:00 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, from residents of the Duakor community that a body had been washed ashore.

Police proceeded to the scene and, after a preliminary examination, found no visible signs of physical injury. The body was subsequently conveyed to the mortuary at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital pending identification and further investigations.

Later that evening, police received information suggesting that the deceased was a student of UCC. The Dean of Students’ Affairs was subsequently informed to assist with the identification process.

The deceased was later identified as Innocentia Atsuful Avinu by her roommate, who reported to the police station with a photograph. The roommate told police that Avinu, who lived in a private hostel at Amamoma, was last seen about 7:00 p.m. two days earlier after receiving a phone call and leaving the room.

According to the roommate, concerns grew after she failed to return, prompting friends and colleagues to search for her throughout the following day without success.

On Saturday, June 13, 2026, family members of the deceased visited the police station and were escorted to the mortuary, where they confirmed her identity. Police said observations made at the mortuary were consistent with the initial findings, with no physical injuries detected on the body.

ASP Abdul Abubakar said police will obtain a coroner’s form on Monday, June 15, 2026, to facilitate a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

The police assured the public that investigations are ongoing and advised against sharing or publicising false information about the incident, warning that such actions could impede investigations and cause unnecessary distress to the bereaved family, course mates, university management and the entire university community.

University Management said it has been informed of the incident and that appropriate support measures are being extended to the family, the affected roommate, colleague students and course mates during this difficult period.

The statement was signed by Kwadwo Attiaku Kusiaku, Acting Director of the Directorate of Public Affairs.