Two deaths discovered within hours of each other on the University of California, Berkeley campus have prompted separate investigations, authorities say.
The incidents, one involving a student who fell from a residence hall and another involving an unidentified man found near a central campus plaza, occurred less than 24 hours apart.
Officials do not believe the cases are connected and say there is no indication of foul play in either death.
The first incident unfolded Tuesday evening, just before 8 p.m., with emergency crews responding to reports of a person who had fallen from a building at the Unit 3 residence hall complex.
Responders with the Berkeley Fire Department and campus police located the student who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Alameda County coroner later identified the student as William Yi Lu, a 21-year-old junior majoring in theater and performance studies, according to the Berkeley Scanner. He was due to graduate in May 2027.
Roughly 16 hours later, a second body was discovered. Around noon Wednesday, university staff found a man in bushes outside Sproul Hall, near the Sproul Plaza on the south side of campus.
His identity has not been released, though authorities said he appeared to be in his late 40s or early 50s. UC Berkeley police said the man does not appear to be affiliated with the university. No additional details were immediately available.
Police reiterated that foul play is not suspected in the second case, and the medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
University officials emphasized that there is no known threat to public safety.
“The campus has become aware of reports that a person has passed away near our campus housing,” UC Berkeley spokesman, Adam Ratliff, told the Berkeley Scanner following the incidents. “We are saddened by this tragic news and wish to extend our condolences to this person’s family and friends.”
In the wake of the incidents, UC Berkeley police reminded students that counseling and psychological services are available by appointment or on a drop-in basis.
Both investigations are ongoing.
