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Alcohol-Related Student Deaths Fall 2008

Presented below is an unfortunate tabulation of alcohol related campus deaths reported in the media for the fall 2008 semester. 

The information supplied for each victim is a tabulation of media reports. The circumstances and causes of the tragedies are summarized within the listing with more details contained in the associated link. 

 

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Peter Sand, 21, August 6, 2008, visiting friends near Hamline University How and why? Peter was found dead Tuesday morning in the living room of the home of his cousin, who lives east of Hamline University.  Peter had been drinking the night before at a 21st birthday party for his cousin, Ozzie Sand, a junior and a football player at Hamline. Accident- drinking associated
Austin Slanker-Wilson, 18, August 15, 2008, Coffeyville Community College How and why? After one day of classes, and what authorities say was too much alcohol, a freshman student turns up dead.  Authorities said the cause was too much alcohol. Alcohol Poisoning
Joseph Barton, 20, August 20, 2008, Michigan State University How and why? Joseph died in an automoble accident at 1:30am.  “They were both drinking — definitely heavily enough — a half gallon between the two of them,” according to a friend. Accident- drinking associated
Daniel Myers, 22, August 27, 2008, University of Wisconsin How and why? Daniel died in a car that crashed into a tree.  Alcohol and speed were "significant contributing factors" to the crash that killed three UW-Madison students. Accident- drinking associated
Lindsey Plank, 23, Stoughton, , August 27, 2008, University of Wisconsin How and why? Lindsey died in a car that crashed into a tree.  Alcohol and speed were "significant contributing factors" to the crash that killed three UW-Madison students. Accident- drinking associated
Richard Putze, 22, August 27, 2008, University of Wisconsin How and why? Richard died in a car that crashed into a tree.  Alcohol and speed were "significant contributing factors" to the crash that killed three UW-Madison students. Accident- drinking associated
Timothy MacLeod, September 13, 2008, Roger Williams University How and why? Timothy died when he was thrown from a car driven by his friend after he lost control of his car while traveling north over the Mt. Hope Bridge at about 11:30 p.m.  Police said the friend was driving drunk when he lost control of his Subaru, slammed into the walls on either side of the bridge and collided with an oncoming car. Accident- drinking associated
Lee Drelles, 19, September 21, 2008, Michigan Tech How and why? Lee died in a crash that occurred just south of the Michigan Technological University campus. Lee was thrown from the vehicle after it hit a tree. The vehicle rolled several times.  Toxicology reports show that another student who was driving had a blood alcohol level of .15, which is well over the legal limit. Accident- drinking associated
Andrew Jackson Thurmond IV, September 24, 2008, Auburn University How and why? Alcohol and speed may have been factors in a three-car wreck that killed one Andrew and left another injured and sent three other people to the hospital  according to a written statement issued by  the Lee County Coroner.  Tests showed that Andrew had a blood/alcohol level of .76. Accident- drinking associated
John-Paul Sbragia-Zoricic, 20, September 27, 2008, Chico State How and why? A Union Pacific train struck junior John-Paul  about 3:30 a.m. Sunday on the tracks north of West First Street. Police investigating the death of John-Paul  believe alcohol was a contributing factor.  Accident- drinking associated
Matthew Felton, 21, September 28, 2008, Maine Maritime Academy How and why? Students  Matthew Felton  and a driver died instantly when their car was hit by a pickup truck that crossed the centerline in an attempt to avoid striking the driver's vehicle which was said to have swicthed lanes. The student driver's reported blood/alcohol level was .125 and empty containers were found in his vehicle. Accident- drinking associated
Johnny Smith, October 5, 2008, Wabash College How and why? Fraternity brothers found Johnny in a distressed situation and he passed away prior to receiving aid.  Smith was an uninitiated pledge to Wabash's Delt chapter.  An autopsy determined that Johnny died of accidental alcohol poisoning. Alcohol Poisoning
Philip E. Rehders, October 8, 2008, Franklin and Marshall College How and why? Police were called to the common area of a suite in Thomas Hall shortly before 5 a.m. Sunday and found Philip  unresponsive.  A recent graduate, Philip was visiting the campus.  His death was attributed to alcohol abuse. Alcohol Poisoning
Alejandro Solis, October 19, 2008, USF Polytechnic How and why? As his friend drove on, 23-year-old Alejandro opened a rear door of the Ford Explorer and fell out. He struck his head on the pavement and died later at a hospital.His friend said it was an alcohol-fueled day, and that Solis drank far more than usual.  "He had been drinking all day," she said. "It (the alcohol) took over."
 
Accident associated with campus drinking
Brett Griffin, November 8, 2008, University of Delaware How and why? Paramedics were called to an off-campus house just before 3 a.m. where police found 18-year-old Brett in cardiac arrest and not breathing.  Brett had been attending a fraternity function at the Sigma Alpha Mu house that evening. He was a pledge member of the fraternity. Police believe the likely cause of death was an alcohol overdose. Alcohol and Drug Poisoning
Michael Starks, 18, November 20, 2008, Utah State University How and why? Michael died early Friday after consuming alcohol at an off-campus residence. He later returned to the Sigma Nu house, was found unresponsive at about 4 a.m., and later pronounced dead at Logan Regional Hospital.  Police say the teen's blood alcohol content was higher than 0.35. A posse of sisters from the sorority next door "kidnapped" Starks to kick off a night of drinking that ended with Starks' death  Alcohol Poisoning
Amber Rose Brown, 20, November 23, 2008, Grand Valley State University How and why? Amber and Douglas Ward died after closing themselves up in a sport utility vehicle with two charcoal grills burning on the back seat.  Although the cause of the deaths is noted as "undertermined," Amber, who was underage, was picture drinking that night. Accident associated with drinking
Douglas William Ward, 26, November 23, 2008, Grand Valley State University How and why? Amber and Douglas Ward died after closing themselves up in a sport utility vehicle with two charcoal grills burning on the back seat.  Although the cause of the deaths is noted as "undertermined," Amber, who was underage, was picture drinking that night. Accident associated with drinking
William Cameron Schlifke, November 24, 2008, Christopher Newport University How and why? William died in a three car accident where all of the drivers were students of Christopher Newport University.  The driver of the car which cause the collisions refused to be tested for driving under the influence at the site. Alcohol Poisoning
Carson Starkey, 18, December 2, 2008, Cal Poly How and why? Carson died after being found unresponsive in a local home. He had spent the night at the residency after attending a Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity party. Accident associated with drinking
Kyle Thomas Chorba, 18, December 12, 2008, Montgomery County Community College How and why? Kyle crashed his car into a firehouse and died after leaving a party attended by his classmates.  Alcohol was present. Accident associated with drinking
 
   
 
 

Federal Law addressing campus drinking

Civil Litigation-Responsibility for Student Safety

Parent Awareness

 

List for tragic ends before fall 2007

Listing for Spring 2008 semester

Listing for Spring 2009 semester

Listing for Fall 2009 semester
 
 
 
 
 

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