Father searches for answers after daughter’s death at the University of California Santa Barbara
A grieving father from Washington state is seeking answers about the tragic on-campus death of his 18-year-old daughter at the University of California Santa Barbara earlier this year. Liz Hamel was found unconscious outside a dorm on February 14 after falling from a breezeway, ultimately passing away a few days later. The circumstances leading up to her death remain shrouded in mystery, leaving her family desperate for closure.
In an interview with Fox News, Alain Hamel, Liz’s father, expressed his frustration with the lack of information surrounding the investigation. While the UC Santa Barbara Police Department has been supportive, they have been limited in what details they can provide due to the ongoing nature of the case. The Hamel family recently reached out to the community for help in identifying a man who was with Liz on the night of her fall, leading to a swift response from university police.
Within 24 hours of the plea for information, the person of interest was located and interviewed by authorities. While the individual is not considered a suspect in Liz’s death, their connection to the events of that fateful night could potentially shed light on what transpired. UC Santa Barbara released a statement confirming that the investigation is ongoing and that they are working closely with the district attorney’s office to uncover the truth.
Alain Hamel shared that his daughter and the man in question met at a noodle bar on Valentine’s Day and appeared to hit it off. They were captured in a photograph together before leaving the establishment around 10:06 p.m., with Liz being found unconscious on the breezeway at 10:27 p.m. The details surrounding what happened during that timeframe remain a mystery, leaving the family with more questions than answers.
Describing Liz as their “world” and “only child,” Alain emphasized the profound impact her passing has had on their family. He fondly recalled her as a joyous presence in their lives and expressed gratitude for the 18 years they were able to spend with her. The Hamel family is determined to seek justice for Liz and bring closure to this heartbreaking chapter in their lives.
A tipline has been established for anyone with information related to Liz’s death, encouraging individuals to come forward and assist in the investigation. The community’s support has been instrumental in moving the case forward, and the family remains hopeful that they will eventually find the answers they seek.
