Investigators say a college student whose body was found along a road in central Pennsylvania could have been struck by a car or killed in an accidental fall.
West Hempfield Township police on Thursday released more details about the mysterious death of 19-year-old Kevin Chavez. They say his cellphone was found on top of a nearby silo.
Motorists discovered the body of the Millersville University sophomore on a road near a silo in West Hempfield Township around 9:30 p.m. Monday. Police say his car was parked nearby.
Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni conducted an autopsy Tuesday and says Chavez suffered multiple traumatic injuries. But he says the manner of death still hasn't been determined.
Police now say investigators are looking into whether Chavez was the victim of a hit-and-run accident or a fatal fall.
Earlier West Hempfield Township police Chief Mark Pugliese told the Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era that investigators were trying to establish a timeline of Chavez's whereabouts before he died.
The paper reports that police have obtained surveillance video from the college in hopes that they can determine when Chavez last attended classes.
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Tips from the public are helping investigators narrow down Chavez’s actions.
"They said they were on the road at a certain time and didn't see anything, so obviously that helps us piece the timing together," Pugliese told the paper.
As the investigation continues, those that knew Chavez turned to Twitter:
"RIP Kevin Chavez," tweeted Lauren Leslie (@Laur_Leslie22). "You were by far one of the nicest people in our class. You will truly be missed."
"In shock hearing about Kevin Chavez," tweeted Temple marketing major Alissa Kontanis (@AlissaKontanis). "He was such a sweet person. RIP and prayers to the Chavez family."
Anyone with information on how he got hurt is asked to call West Hempfield police at 717-285-5191.
