Father presses for answers in college freshman daughter’s death after fall from dorm: 'She was our world'

A father from Washington state is seeking more information regarding the inquiry into his 18-year-old daughter’s death on a California university campus earlier this year. 

Liz Hamel, 18, was discovered unconscious outside a dormitory at the University of California Santa Barbara on February 14 after possibly falling from a breezeway. She passed away a few days later. 

But what happened leading up to her death remains a mystery. 

“In recent months, we have received updates from the UC Santa Barbara PD, and they have been very supportive towards us. They have shown empathy. However, due to the fact that it is an active investigation, they are unable to provide us with extensive information,” shared Alain Hamel, Liz’s father, during an interview with Sandra Smith, co-anchor of Fox News’ “America Reports,” on Friday.

“UCPD is committed to continue its comprehensive investigation to seek answers related to this tragic event and has been working closely with the district attorney’s office and the sheriff’s office since the early stages of the investigation.”

Hamel said he doesn’t know the man who was with his daughter and neither did his daughter’s friends. He is not a suspect in her death. 

Hamel said, as far as he knows, they met at a noodle bar that night, “and they hit it off, and it was Valentine’s Day. So, I think that might’ve had something to do with it. And, yeah, they were photographed together only from a certain angle. And then they left a little after 10:06 (p.m.). And then, to my knowledge, at 10:27 is when she was found unconscious, having fallen from that breezeway.”

Liz Hamel

“She was great,” Hamel said of his daughter Liz. “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.”  (Alain Hamel)

“She was great,” Hamel said of his daughter. “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.” 

A tipline is available at 805-335-3851 for anyone with information surrounding Liz’s death.

You May Also Like
Updated: Thom Tillis Really Won't Like Trump's Replacement Pick for Interim DC US Attorney

Thom Tillis Likely Displeased with Trump’s Choice for Interim DC US Attorney

UPDATED 6:45 PM EDT, May 8, 2025 President Trump announced Jeanine Pirro’s…
Experts issue urgent warning after discovering 28 major US cities are SINKING... is your hometown at risk?

Warning Issued by Experts as 28 Large US Cities Found to be Sinking… Is Your City in Danger?

Scientists have discovered that the 28 most populous cities in the US…
Pope Leo XIV Chicago: Father William Lego of St. Turibius shares memories of his former classmate Cardinal Robert Prevost

“Pope Leo XIV Chicago: A Reflection on the Life of Cardinal Robert Prevost by Father William Lego of St. Turibius”

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Southwest Side priest is sharing fond memories of…
A soft smile and a poignant tribute to her mother-in-law, days after Harry's bombshell interview, Kate is a picture of elegance for VE Day

Kate exudes elegance on VE Day as she pays a touching tribute to her mother-in-law following Harry’s interview

The Princess of Wales expressed her admiration for her mother-in-law during a…
Anti-Israel mob descends on Brooklyn College in NYC as agitators brawl with police, get tased

Protestors clash with police at Brooklyn College in NYC, resulting in tasing

A New York City university descended into chaos on Thursday night when…
President Trump appoints Real Housewives star to Holocaust Memorial board after he fired Biden-era members

President Trump selects a Real Housewives star for the Holocaust Memorial board following the dismissal of members appointed during Biden’s term

Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Sigalit ‘Siggy’ Flicker was appointed to…
Harvey Weinstein trial: Ex-model takes the stand, marking first time she has testified

Testimony by Ex-model in Harvey Weinstein trial for the first time

In New York, during Harvey Weinstein’s first sexual assault trial in 2020,…
'Vanderpump Villa' season two reunion: what really went down as the cast got back together. 

Recap: Vanderpump Villa Season 2 Reunion – Inside Look at the Cast Reunion

BEVERLY HILLS — If you thought season two of “Vanderpump Villa” was…
When Does ‘Matlock’ Return With New Episodes? ‘Matlock’ Season 2, CBS Schedule Info

When will we see new episodes of ‘Matlock’? Find out the airing schedule of season 2 on CBS.

It’s never to early to prepare for the future. CBS has just…
Young kangaroo hops around Florida town after brazen escape, owner charged

Florida town shocked as young kangaroo escapes and hops around, owner faces charges

An unruly kangaroo that escaped from a private owner’s enclosure in Saint…
Army vet comes back from the dead to forgive his killer as eerie impact statement played during sentencing hearing

“Forgiving his killer: Army vet’s heartfelt impact statement heard at sentencing”

A road rage incident led to the tragic death of a US…
‘Tasteless’: NYC Tears Down Statue Of Thomas Jefferson, Erects 12-foot Statue of 'Overweight Black Woman'

NYC removes Thomas Jefferson statue, replaces it with 12-foot statue of a Black woman.

The sculpture, entitled “Grounded in the Stars,” was revealed on Wednesday at…