UCSB Freshman’s Fatal Dorm Fall Deemed Accidental by Police; DA Review Continues as Family Seeks Answers

Nearly 10 months after UC Santa Barbara freshman Elizabeth “Liz” Hamel fell from a campus residence hall walkway and later died, the UC Santa Barbara Police Department (UCPD) concluded its months‑long inquiry and determined the incident was an accidental fall. The department forwarded its findings to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, which says the case remains under review.

Police Findings and Official Review

In a statement to Fox News Digital, UCPD said its investigation included a systematic review of available evidence and numerous interviews, including with a person of interest identified during the probe. "Based on the totality of the exhaustive investigation ... it is the Department’s conclusion that the incident was an accidental fall," the statement said. UCPD also confirmed it worked closely with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office.

Liz Hamel, 18, was found unconscious outside a dorm on the campus of the University of California Santa Barbara Feb. 14 after apparently falling from a breezeway.

Family Disputes Conclusion

Hamel’s family, represented by attorney Tyrone Maho and private investigator Michael Claytor, disputes the UCPD conclusion. Through counsel, the family said they still have unanswered questions about how Hamel died and flagged what they called inconsistencies and missing information in the investigative record. They also expressed concern about a potential conflict of interest with a university police department investigating a student’s death.

"We are aware of UCSB Police’s conclusion, but we still have unanswered questions about how Liz died. We will continue working with our counsel and the appropriate authorities to ensure that all available evidence is carefully reviewed," the family said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Timeline And Key Details

Hamel, an 18‑year‑old biology and chemistry student from Bellevue, Washington, was found about 10:26 p.m. on Feb. 14, 2025, beneath a third‑floor walkway outside San Rafael Residence Hall. She was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and died six days later. Reporting indicates Hamel spent nearly two hours that night at Lao Wang Noodle Bar in Isla Vista with an unidentified man. According to family representatives, the pair did not walk toward Hamel’s dorm (San Miguel) but toward San Rafael, where she was later found.

The family of Elizabeth "Liz" Hamel is challenging the UCSB police conclusion that the freshman's deadly fall was an accident, citing unanswered questions about the investigation.

Family Investigation And Public Appeal

In June, Hamel’s father and attorney Maho held a news conference at the location where she was found, urging anyone with information to come forward—particularly about the unidentified man who was last seen with Liz. Friends later recovered her phone and identification, which she had left behind earlier that evening.

Community Reaction

Hamel had moved to California in 2024 to study biology and chemistry and hoped to become a scientist. Her Pi Beta Phi California Zeta chapter publicly mourned her loss and remembered her for her kindness and joy.

A Washington state father is pressing for answers about the investigation into his 18-year-old daughter’s death at UC Santa Barbara earlier this year.

What’s Next

While UCPD considers the investigation complete and has forwarded its findings, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office has not announced a timeline for its review. The Hamel family and their private investigators say their work continues as they press for additional answers.

Reporter note: Fox News Digital's Brie Stimson contributed to coverage cited in this report.