Table of Contents
The untimely death of 18-year-old Liz Hamel, a freshman at UC Santa Barbara, has prompted an ongoing investigation that remains unresolved nearly ten months after her tragic fall. Although the UC Santa Barbara Police Department (UCPD) has deemed the incident accidental, her family contends that the circumstances surrounding her death require further examination.
On February 14, Liz was found critically injured beneath a third-floor walkway at the San Rafael Residence Hall after a fall from a breezeway. She succumbed to her injuries six days later in a local hospital. The police department’s conclusion regarding the accident has been met with skepticism by her family, who argue that essential details surrounding her death remain unexplained.
Family’s concerns about the investigation
Alain Hamel, Liz’s father, has expressed his family’s distress concerning the investigation’s findings. The UCPD stated that they conducted a thorough examination, including a systematic review of evidence and interviews with several individuals, including a person of interest linked to Liz’s final moments. However, her family believes that the investigation overlooked critical information that could clarify the events leading up to her fall.
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that the case is still under review, indicating that official closure has not yet been reached. Despite the police’s assertions, the family feels compelled to pursue further inquiries, emphasizing that they are still left with unanswered questions regarding Liz’s final hours.
Details of the night in question
On the night of her fall, Liz was reportedly celebrating Valentine’s Day at a local restaurant, where she was seen with an unidentified young man. This individual, described as approximately six feet tall with blonde hair, has not been publicly identified. The timeline indicates that Liz left the restaurant around 10 p.m., and just twenty minutes later, she was found injured outside her dorm.
Liz’s family has raised concerns regarding the trajectory of her night, particularly noting that after leaving the restaurant, she did not head toward her own residence hall. Instead, she was found at the San Rafael Residence Hall, which is not on her direct path home. This discrepancy has intensified suspicions about the circumstances surrounding her fall and the actions of the young man who accompanied her.
Legal and emotional ramifications
The investigation into Liz’s death has also initiated discussions about potential conflicts of interest. The family’s attorney, Tyrone Maho, has voiced concerns about the UCPD’s capacity to conduct an impartial investigation, given that they are responsible for campus safety. Maho and the family believe that the police department may exhibit bias in their findings due to their affiliation with the university.
As grieving parents, Alain and Hema Hamel have conveyed their profound sorrow over the loss of their only child. Their emotional turmoil is compounded by a sense of injustice and lack of clarity. They have publicly stated that their daughter was not merely a student but a vibrant young woman with aspirations of becoming a scientist, a member of her community, and a cherished friend.
Continuing the search for answers
Despite the police department’s ruling, the Hamel family persists in seeking the truth about Liz’s death. They have engaged a private investigator who supports their belief that key inconsistencies in the case remain unaddressed. Their quest for answers is fueled not only by grief but also by a desire to ensure that no other family endures a similar loss without clarity.
The Hamel family’s determination to uncover the truth serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of unresolved tragedies. As they navigate their heartache, they remain committed to advocating for a closer examination of the circumstances surrounding Liz’s fall. The ongoing review by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office offers a glimmer of hope that their pursuit of answers may yield results.
On February 14, Liz was found critically injured beneath a third-floor walkway at the San Rafael Residence Hall after a fall from a breezeway. She succumbed to her injuries six days later in a local hospital. The police department’s conclusion regarding the accident has been met with skepticism by her family, who argue that essential details surrounding her death remain unexplained.0