Campus Bans Fraternity Over Alcohol Death
A fraternity was permanently banned from Cal State Chico after an underage pledge died of alcohol poisoning, university officials said.
A university investigation found that Pi Kappa Phi violated state laws and its own constitution by providing Adrian Heideman, 18, of Palo Alto with alcohol, said Rick Rees, associate director of student activities at Cal State Chico.
Heideman, a freshman, died Oct. 7 during a party after he tried to drink a bottle of brandy. An autopsy revealed his blood-alcohol content was 0.37%. He died of alcohol-related asphyxiation.
Rees said the university’s investigation found no evidence of hazing rituals, such as forcing Heideman to drink a certain amount to gain acceptance into the fraternity.
The case is still under investigation by Butte County Dist. Atty. Mike Ramsey, who has said he is considering charging Heideman’s fraternity brothers with involuntary manslaughter. If the organization is charged, it could face criminal fines of up to $10,000.
The ban means that Pi Kappa Phi can never again use university facilities, participate in university events or conduct business on campus. The fraternity has 10 days to appeal the ban.
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