York student found dead in his campus accommodation

North Yorkshire Police Crest LogoAn inquest has been opened after a male student was found dead in his room in Alcuin College earlier this month.

The University of York student has been named as Daniel Pinfold, and he was found by security staff on September 2.

Police say they are not treating the death as suspicious, but it is not yet clear exactly what happened, with the inquest set to reopen next year on Februrary 4.

A spokesperson for the university said: “We are greatly saddened by the death of Daniel Pinfold, a Master’s student in Contemporary History and International Politics.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this deeply distressing time.”

Mr Pinfold graduated from York with his undergraduate degree in Politics in 2014, and was completing his dissertation on the Labour Party for his postgraduate course.

Heads of Departments paid tribute to the late student with History’s Dr Henrice Altink saying: “The Department is deeply saddened by the news of the death of Daniel Pinfold.

“Daniel was deeply engaged and interested in his dissertation topic and enjoyed political debates and discussing the direction of the Labour Party.

“The Department is very sad to have lost such a bright and dedicated student.”

The Head of the Department of Politics, Professor Matthew Festenstein, added: “The Politics Department is deeply shocked by this tragic news.

“Daniel was well-known to staff here as both an undergraduate and postgraduate student. Throughout his time at York, Daniel was a very thoughtful and committed member of the University, and profoundly engaged with exploring and discussing contemporary politics.

“This is a terrible loss, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Most students will use their friends and family networks when managing difficult situations like this but if students are particularly affected they can contact their College Team, the Open Door Team or national organisations referred to on this helpful webpage.