CALIFORNIA, Pa. — The death of an 18-year-old PennWest California student found dead inside a vehicle early Thursday morning is being considered “suspicious,” state police say.
Police were called to the area of the California Public Library at 100 Wood Street at around 12:24 a.m.
According to Washington County Coroner Tim Warco, Karoline Heintz, of McMurray, was with family earlier in the day and was supposed to be returning to campus housing.
When Heintz never checked back in, Warco said family members tracked her vehicle’s location to Wood Street, not far from campus, and called 911 at around 12:14 a.m.
A cause and manner of death have not yet been determined, but state police said they are considering it suspicious. The Washington County Coroner’s Office and Pennsylvania State Police are investigating.
Channel 11 reached out to PennWest University, which released the following statement:
“PennWest University is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Karoline Heintz, who was a first-year student at the California campus. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and all those affected by this tragedy.
“Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the incident, which occurred off campus, and PennWest University police are cooperating fully with the investigation.”
Heintz is listed on the 2026 Women’s Soccer Roster for the California Vulcans, and is a Peters Township High School graduate.
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