Father Seeks Answers in Daughter’s Mysterious Death at UC Santa Barbara
Alain Hamel, a father from Washington state, is actively seeking answers and pressing for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of his 18-year-old daughter, Liz Hamel, at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) earlier this year. Liz Hamel was discovered unconscious outside a dorm building on the UCSB campus on February 14th, having apparently fallen from a breezeway. She tragically passed away days later, leaving her family and community in mourning and raising questions about the events leading up to her untimely death.
The investigation into Liz’s death has been ongoing, and while Alain Hamel acknowledges the efforts and empathy shown by the UC Santa Barbara Police Department (UCPD), he remains determined to uncover the full truth. He expressed his gratitude for the communication from UCPD, stating that they have been "very kind" and "empathetic," however, due to the active investigation, they are limited in the specific details they can share. This understandable constraint leaves Hamel with a desire for more comprehensive information and a deeper understanding of the events that transpired on the night of his daughter’s fall.
In an interview with Fox News’ "America Reports" co-anchor Sandra Smith, Hamel shared his family’s proactive approach in seeking information from the community. Recognizing the potential for valuable leads from those who may have interacted with Liz on the night of her death, the family reached out to the Santa Barbara community for assistance in identifying a man who was seen with Liz shortly before the incident. This appeal proved remarkably successful. Within a mere 24 hours of the family’s plea, university police were able to locate and interview the individual of interest.
Hamel expressed immense gratitude for the swift and effective response from the Santa Barbara community and the UCPD. He emphasized the importance of their assistance in advancing the investigation. "I think it was incredibly successful… I can’t say enough for Santa Barbara. It was so fast. They really helped us so much to move the investigation forward," Hamel stated, highlighting the collaborative effort between the family, the community, and law enforcement. He acknowledged his position as an outsider to the official investigation but expressed his impression that the community’s help has indeed moved the case forward.
UC Santa Barbara released a statement confirming that the individual identified in connection with the incident at the residence hall had been located and interviewed. However, the university emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that they are unable to disclose any further details at this time. The statement reiterated UCPD’s commitment to keeping the family informed and working closely with the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s Office.
The university’s statement further underscored UCPD’s dedication to conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation to uncover the answers surrounding this tragic event. The police department has been collaborating closely with both the District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office since the early stages of the investigation to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach.
Hamel revealed that he and his daughter’s friends did not know the man who was with Liz on the night of her death. He clarified that the man is not currently considered a suspect in her death. According to Hamel’s understanding, Liz met the man at a noodle bar earlier that evening, and they seemed to "hit it off." The fact that it was Valentine’s Day may have played a role in their interaction, Hamel speculated. He further explained that they were photographed together, but only from a specific angle. They reportedly left the noodle bar shortly after 10:06 p.m. Hamel stated that, to his knowledge, Liz was found unconscious at 10:27 p.m., having fallen from the breezeway. The short timeframe between the time they left the bar and when Liz was found unconscious adds another layer of complexity to the investigation.
Alain Hamel described his daughter as an exceptional young woman who was deeply loved. "She was great," he said. "She was our world. She’s our only child. And she was everything to us. She was a real joy. And you know, we were so lucky to have 18 years with her. We wish we had more time." The immense grief and profound sense of loss were palpable in his words, highlighting the devastating impact of Liz’s death on her family and loved ones.
The authorities are urging anyone with information surrounding Liz’s death to come forward and contact the tip line at 805-335-3851. Any detail, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, could potentially prove valuable in helping investigators piece together the events leading up to Liz Hamel’s tragic death and provide her family with the answers they so desperately seek. The search for understanding and closure continues as the investigation progresses, with the hope that the truth will ultimately be revealed and justice will be served for Liz.
