Update: UC Berkeley student identified as fatal fall victim

Authorities are investigating a fatality outside a UC Berkeley student housing complex Tuesday night.

Few details are available but there is no known threat to the community, the University of California Police Department confirmed shortly after publication.

The Berkeley Fire Department was dispatched to the 2400 block of Durant Avenue, the Unit 3 housing complex, shortly before 8 p.m. for what was determined to be a death investigation involving a fall, according to early reports.

Scroll down for updates to the story.

A UC Berkeley spokesman, Adam Ratliff, said details were "still developing."

"The campus has become aware of reports that a person has passed away near our campus housing," he said in a prepared statement. "We are saddened by this tragic news and wish to extend our condolences to this person’s family and friends."

Ratliff said he could not discuss or confirm confidential student matters, in line with privacy laws and university policies.

He referred further questions to UCPD.

Ratliff said counseling services are available to members of the campus community who need support.

Update, April 22: The individual who died has now been identified as William Yi Lu, 21, of Berkeley, the Alameda County coroner's office said Wednesday afternoon.

Lu was a junior majoring in Theater & Performance Studies, UC Berkeley said. He was expected to graduate in May 2027.

Counseling support is being provided to students who may have known Lu.

Also on Wednesday, the University of California Police Department provided the following statement. It appears below in full.

On April 21, 2026, at approximately 7:53 pm, UCPD responded to the Unit 3 Residence Hall Complex for the report that a person had fallen from one of the buildings. BFD also responded to the scene, and the person (a student) was declared deceased at 7:57 pm. The Alameda County Medical Examiner & Coroner office will determine the cause of death.  No foul play is suspected. Next of kin has been notified.  

We wish to remind those on campus that counseling services are available at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Visit uhs.berkeley.edu/counseling to learn more. For students, campus counselors at University Health Services (UHS) at the Tang Center are available on a drop-in basis for urgent concerns. Visit the Student Mental Health website or call at (510) 642-9494. When the Tang Center is closed, call the after hours counseling line (855) 817-5667. There are also drop-in counseling services at the residence halls.

This story was updated after publication as additional details became available.