Investigation Into Centennial Student’s Death Continues

An autopsy was scheduled for Monday morning for 15-year-old Luke Miller, the Centennial High School student who died Saturday, after apparently being attacked by fellow students the day before.

Miller died at a St. Louis hospital Saturday, where he had been taken after he was initially hospitalized in Urbana. Champaign Police say their detectives would attend the autopsy, which would be conducted in St. Louis by the City Medical Examiner’s Office.

Champaign Police are investigating Miller’s death, but have released no details, except to say that preliminary information suggested an isolated incident. Still, Champaign Police said they would have additional officers present at Centennial High School on Monday to speak with students and help with ensuring their safety.

Champaign Police are asking anyone with information about Luke Miller's death to contact the Police Investigation Division at 217-351-4545' or Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 and www.373tips.com and the "P3 Tips" mobile app.

A statement from Champaign Unit Four District Superintendent Judy Wiegand expressed “deep sorrow” over Miller’s death. She said grief counseling would be available starting Monday for students at Centennial and at Jefferson Middle School.

The News-Gazette cites a friend of the family as saying she learned from Miller’s parents that their son had apparently been beaten up by more than one young person at school on Friday. According to the newspaper, Miller said nothing about the incident at first, but woke up feeling ill on Saturday, and was taken to Carle Hospital.

The News-Gazette reports an impromptu prayer vigil for Miller at the Centennial campus Sunday night drew more than 300 people.