Emergency services were called to Forton Services on the M6 in Lancashire after the body of Lancaster University student Michele Chung was sadly found – with an inquest now underway
A university student was tragically found dead at a service station on a busy motorway, a court heard.
Emergency services were called to Forton Services on the M6 in Lancashire on February 19 after the body of Lancaster University student Michele Chung was found. The 21-year-old, who was born in Wales, was a second year earth and environmental science student at the time of her death.
An inquest into Michele’s death was opened and adjourned at Preston Coroners’ Court on Thursday March 26. Area Coroner Emma Mather confirmed that Michele’s body had been identified by Detective Inspector Mark Green using her ID card.
A final inquest is due to be held at Preston Coroners’ Court on June 25 before Area Coroner Kate Bisset, reports Lancashire Live.
In a tribute posted online after Michele’s death, Lancaster University said: “The University deeply regrets to report the death of Earth and Environmental Science student Michele Chung. The University was notified of Michele’s death on Thursday 19 February, and has since sought to reach out to those closest to her to offer direct support.
“Michele was a Lonsdale College member who was in the second year of her degree, having joined Lancaster in 2024, and was also a member of the Pokémon and Doctor Who societies. The cause of Michele’s death has not yet been confirmed. This will be a very difficult time for all who knew her, and the thoughts of the University community are with all her friends and family.”
On Michele’s LinkedIn profile she described herself as “creative and curious”. She wrote: “Throughout my life, I have been interested in the combination of both science and the arts. There is an art in anything and everything we do. I want to help make our planet better for its species, wildlife and people whether that is in air, land or sea or even space.
“This is our planet – Earth we live on and it’s our duty of care to protect where we live. My experiences have taught me the impacts different people have on different environments and vice versa and raising awareness about these impacts and actions we can take are fundamental.
“Our Earth keeps changing for better or for worse. We need to know how our planet will change in the future as well as learning from our past, knowledge which could resolve the biggest environmental issues. There is magic in the environment and the connections between everyone and everything are so full of life which I want to help protect.
“I am currently searching for work experience in the Earth and Environmental Science field. Within this broad sector, I am interested in research in aquatic, marine and glacial life and environments and hydrology. I’m a creative, curious and determined individual who can adapt in new environments and would like to develop my skill set within the Earth and Environmental Science sector.”
