NYC Department of Education investigating death of Omotayo Adeoye, who was accused of cheating

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (WABC) -- The medical examiner ruled that Omotayo Adeoye, who eyewitnesses said walked into the Hudson River last week after being accused of cheating on an exam, died from drowning. Adeoye's death has been ruled a suicide.

The 17-year-old's body was found Tuesday morning near 170th Street.

The New York City Education Department is looking into the circumstances around the death. Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina said in a statement, "We are conducting an investigation into this tragic accident, and we are taking immediate action."

Adeoye attended the Harlem High School for Math, Science and Engineering. Last week in class, a teacher apparently scolded her because the high school junior had her cell phone out during the German language class, and the accusation was she was cheating on the test. They said she wrote a suicide note on the test, then asked to go to the restroom and never came back.

Adeoye left her school and walked from 140th Street and Convent to the Hudson River at 165th Street in Washington Heights. Along the shoreline, a group of men who were fishing saw her wading in the water. Adeoye went under and disappeared, leaving her identification and some clothing on the rocks.

The teen was described as being 'brilliant'. Family and friends believe that the school let them down.