Rockford — Initial investigations into the deaths of two Saudi students of Rockford University have ruled out any foul play.
Winnebago County Coroner Bill Hintz said that preliminary autopsy results indicated that the students, 24-year-old Amjad Balkhair and 21-year-old Mohammed Mufti, each died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The two died in the garage of their off-campus apartment.
Mohammed Mufti and Amjad Balkhair were found dead Saturday. They were both from Saudi Arabia and first-year students at Rockford University.
Police officers responding to a call for a death investigation Saturday night reported they could smell vehicle exhaust coming from a closed garage. They found Mufti and Balkhair in the garage with a running vehicle.
Rockford University President Eric Fulcomer issued a statement expressing condolences to the families of the students. He said: “It is a tragic loss that is not easy to understand and affects the entire campus, particularly our international students who face unique circumstances in studying far away from their homes and families. A dedicated team is working closely with our students and broader campus community to offer help and resources to all who need assistance during this difficult time.”
The incident is still under investigation.
Balkhair’s roommate Abdullah Ahmed told Al-Arabiya English that the deceased met his best friend in the afternoon before his death, noting that he was normal and keen on finishing his studies as soon as possible so that he could get back to Saudi Arabia. Abdullah stressed that Balkhair loved to go to the gym and his friend Mohammed enjoyed cooking.
