New details released in investigation of University of Illinois student found dead

UPDATE: 4:30 pm Tuesday, January 23

The Champaign County Coroner has released further details regarding the death of Akul B. Dhawan.

According to the Coroner, Dhawan was found deceased on January 20, 2024 in the 1200 Block of West Nevada Street, Urbana, Illinois, around 11:00 a.m.

Dhawan had been reported missing to University of Illinois Police just before 1:30 a.m. on January 20, 2024.

An autopsy was performed on January 23, and the preliminary findings showed no evidence of significant trauma.

The Coroner found evidence of hypothermic skin changes, and the final autopsy report is pending toxicology studies.

No further information will be released pending the final determination of the cause and manner of death by the Champaign County Coroner.

This death remains under investigation by the Champaign County Coroner’s Office, University of Illinois Police Department, and the Illinois State Police.

UPDATE: 7:00 pm Saturday

Champaign County Coroner released the name of the University of Illinois Student found dead.

18 year old Akul Dhawan was found behind a building near the intersection of W. Nevada St. and S. Goodwin Ave.

An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.

ORIGINAL: 2:30 pm Saturday

URBANA, Ill. (WAND) — University of Illinois Police are investigating after a student was found dead Saturday.

Police say the 18 year old student was found in the 1200 block of West Nevada Street in Urbana.

Police believe it may be accidental. But the investigation is still ongoing.

University Police shared this timeline:

At 1:23 a.m. Saturday morning, the student’s roommate called police to report him missing. At the time of the call, the roommate said that he had not seen the student for about an hour and could not reach him via telephone.

University Police searched the area where the student was last seen, the student’s residence hall and the likely path between the two locations, including the main Quad and streets. Police also checked local hospitals and attempted to reach the student via telephone. The search did not yield any additional information about his possible location.

At 11:08 a.m. Saturday, police and emergency medical services were dispatched after a U. of I. employee found the man on the back porch of a building. He was deceased at the time he was found.

The University of Illinois Police Department is coordinating release of the student’s name with the Champaign County Coroner’s Office. The student’s family has been notified.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the University of Illinois Police Department at 217-333-1216. Witnesses may remain anonymous by contacting Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-TIPS.