Akul Dhawan, an 18-year-old Indian freshman studying electrical engineering at the University of Illinois, was tragically discovered deceased over the weekend. The circumstances surrounding his untimely passing have sparked concern, prompting his grieving parents, who reside in California, to seek answers from the university.
Reported missing by his roommate at 1:23 am on Sunday, during a bone-chilling temperature of 1 degree Fahrenheit (-17 degrees Celsius), Akul's body was later found in Champaign, Illinois, in close proximity to the university campus.
An autopsy conducted on Monday revealed no significant signs of trauma, but did indicate changes in Dhawan's skin consistent with hypothermia, a grim detail considering the harsh weather conditions at the time.
The search for Akul took place amidst freezing temperatures, with the mercury plummeting between -20F and -14F, compounded by wind chill, heightening the extreme conditions. Despite the urgency of the situation, Akul's parents allege that no search efforts were made for their son at his last known whereabouts.
Friends of Akul, who had lost contact with him, expressed apprehension about his well-being, fearing he might succumb to the cold without proper attire. Ish Dhawan, Akul's father, asserted that his son had contacted the police from his location, waiting for assistance for an agonizing half-hour.
Tragically, Akul was discovered lifeless less than half a block away from his last sighting, as reported by local TV station WCIA.
The University of Illinois Police Department is actively investigating the incident, leaning towards the belief that the young student's death was accidental. Pat Wade, a spokesperson for the University of Illinois Police Department, refrained from divulging further details about the ongoing investigation.
In expressions of condolence, university officials released statements extending sympathies to Akul's family and friends. Danita Brown Young, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, reassured the availability of support services for students grappling with the loss, including counseling.
Amidst their sorrow, Akul's parents are pressing the university for answers, questioning the adequacy of search and rescue protocols. Ish Dhawan recounted that when they raised their concerns with the Vice Chancellor's office, they were directed to file a complaint with the police. However, the family claims they were only provided with a form to complete, and no formal complaint process was initiated.
Akul's parents have expressed apprehensions about the university's readiness for extreme cold conditions when students go missing. They fear that the absence of proper procedures could endanger other students, particularly those unfamiliar with severe winter climates.
As the university community mourns the loss of a promising young student, inquiries arise regarding the circumstances leading to Akul Dhawan's tragic demise, underscoring the necessity for a thorough investigation and potential policy revisions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
