UI student’s death ruled accident, UIPD ends investigation

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The University of Illinois Police Department has concluded its investigation into the death of student Akul Dhawan .

Officials said their investigation concluded that the 18-year-old’s death on Jan. 20 was an accident. Results from an autopsy showed hypothermia was the cause of death, with alcohol intoxication a contributing factor.

The temperature the night of Jan. 19 and the following morning was close to zero degrees Fahrenheit, with windchills of -15 degrees. Investigators determined that in these frigid conditions, Dhawan and his friends went to a social event at The Canopy Club around 10 p.m. and left 45 minutes later. After going to Green Street, the group returned to The Canopy Club around 11:30.

While his friends were allowed to go back inside The Canopy Club, investigators learned Dhawan was not. Around midnight, Dhawan is said to have declined attempts to call a rideshare service to drive him home and he left the bar on his own.

His friends reported him missing at 1:23 a.m. and Dhawan was found dead 10 hours later on a back porch near the bar.

In addition, the UIPD completed an internal investigation into a complaint from Dhawan’s parents alleging violations of department policies in the handling of their son’s death. That investigation found violations of two policy subsections by the officer who handled the initial call from Dhawan’s friends. Those subsections relate to the process of investigating a missing person report and the process of preparing documentation, officials said.

As a result, the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending completion of post-administrative investigation procedures.

“Although we do not believe it is likely these policy violations related to process and documentation altered the outcome of the incident, it is important to take action to ensure our policies are followed as we strive to promote a safe and secure campus environment,” said UIPD Chief Matt Ballinger. “This was a tragic accident that has weighed heavily on our campus community, and our thoughts continue to be with Akul’s family, friends and loved ones.”

The UIPD also took action against a liquor store employee whose store Dhawan visited while he was on Green Street. Investigators determined the employee sold Dhawan a bottle of vodka without checking his age; the employee was charged with a misdemeanor and the store was fined and will serve a seven-day suspension from selling alcohol.

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