A Level 200 student of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has been found dead at Hutchland Beach near Duakor in Cape Coast, prompting an ongoing police investigation.

In a statement issued on Sunday, June 14, 2026, UCC Police confirmed that the body of Innocentia Atsufui Avinu, a Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource) student, was recovered after residents reported that a body had washed ashore along the beach.

According to the UCC District Police Commander, ASP Abdul Abubakar, the police received the report at about 6:00 a.m. on Friday, June 12, and proceeded to the scene to verify the information.

Preliminary examinations conducted at the scene revealed 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 day, police received information suggesting that the deceased was a UCC student. The Dean of Students’ Affairs was notified to assist with the identification process.

The identity of the deceased was later confirmed with the assistance of her roommate, who reported to the police station with a photograph. The roommate stated that Ms. Avinu was last seen around 7:00 p.m. two days earlier when she received a phone call and left their private hostel room at Amamoma.

According to the roommate, concern grew when the student failed to return, prompting friends and colleagues to search for her throughout the following day, but without success.

On Saturday, June 13, the deceased's family visited the police station and were escorted to the mortuary, where they formally identified the body. Police said observations at the mortuary were consistent with initial findings, with no visible injuries detected.

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

The police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and have cautioned against the circulation of false information that could hinder the investigation and cause further distress to the bereaved family and the university community.

UCC Management has been informed of the incident and is providing support to the family, the deceased’s roommate, colleagues, and course mates.