Crime & Safety
Student Found Dead At Delaware Valley College
Investigators said the death of a 21-year-old student at DelVal does not appear to involve foul play or suicide.
Doylestown and New Britain police and the Bucks County coroner's office are continuing an investigation into the death of a student on Monday at Delaware Valley College.
A female student was found dead Monday afternoon in a South Hall dormitory room at DelVal.
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After notifying the family, officials identified the woman as Gabrielle Hillman, 21, a small animal science major from Belmar, New Jersey.
Hillman was found dead by her roommate, according to Doylestown Borough Police Lt. Pat Penecale.
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The Bucks County coroner's office removed the body from the scene around 6:40 p.m. Bucks County District Attorney David Heckler said the student's death does not appear to involve foul play.
"It’s not apparently criminal, at this time," Heckler said.
Penecale said her death also does not appear to be suicide. It is unknown at this time whether health issues were involved, he said.
The college posted this statement on its website:
The ongoing police investigation has confirmed the death of a female student, 21-year-old Gabrielle Hillman from Belmar, NJ. The entire Delaware Valley College community is deeply saddened by this news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gabrielle’s family and friends.
At this time the circumstances of the death are under investigation and this is a police matter. The situation indicates this to be an isolated incident and there is no danger to our college community.
Our counseling staff is standing by for students all evening. Students can call 215-489-2252 or stop by the Student Health and Wellness Center for counseling support. Services will also be available tomorrow. Please continue to check here for updates.
One of nine residence halls on DelVal's campus, South Hall is the college's newest dormitory building. Students live in two- or four-person suites, and the building also includes a computer room, laundry facilities, meeting spaces and a fireplace.
Reserved for upperclassmen, the co-ed building is designated as 'substance free,' according to a description of the college's residence halls.
