Police Investigate Death of University of Cape Coast Student Innocentia Avinu After Body Discovered on Beach

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) community has been plunged into mourning following the tragic discovery of the body of Innocentia Avinu, a 20-year-old Level 200 student. Miss Avinu was found washed ashore near the Hutchland Beach Resort in Cape Coast on June 12, 2026, just one day after she was officially reported missing. The discovery has sparked profound concern among students and residents alike, as authorities work to piece together the final moments of the young student's life.

Innocentia was last seen on Thursday, June 11, 2026, leaving her residence at the Ayensu Plaza Hostel. Reports indicate that she had intended to meet an acquaintance, but she failed to return, prompting her family to lodge an urgent missing person's report. Following an intensive public search by friends and family, local police were alerted to the presence of an unidentified female body on the beach on Friday. On Saturday, June 13, family members formally identified the deceased after being shown photographs and viewing the remains, confirming the community's worst fears.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the local police suggest a complex case. While the body was found in a coastal area, initial physical examinations by responding officers reportedly revealed no immediate visible signs of violence or struggle. However, the circumstances surrounding her departure from campus and the subsequent discovery have led to increasing calls for a rigorous and transparent inquiry to rule out foul play. The body has since been deposited at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital morgue, where a comprehensive autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

As the UCC community grapples with this loss, the incident has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding student safety and security within the Cape Coast municipality. University officials and student leadership are expected to engage with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted. For now, the police have urged the public to remain calm and provide any relevant information that could assist in resolving the case, while the family of Innocentia Avinu awaits the results of the medical examiner’s report to find closure.