BERKELEY, Calif. — A 19-year-old UC Berkeley student who was hospitalized following a near-drowning incident at a fraternity party last week has died.
Berkeley police and firefighters responded to the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity around 11:30 p.m. Friday after a caller reported an unresponsive person “who had possibly drowned,” Berkeley police spokesperson Officer Byron White said in an email Wednesday. The student was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries.
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When police arrived, they observed an estimated crowd of more than 300 people, exceeding the fraternity’s 200-person limit, reports the LA Times. Authorities issued a civil notice violation relating to public nuisances involving loud and unruly gatherings after noting conditions consistent with overcrowding and heavy alcohol consumption. The Berkeley Fire Department also issued a citation to the fraternity for violating its Indoor Entertainment Event permit, which requires inspections for indoor events with more than 50 people.
The Alameda County district attorney’s office is also reviewing potential charges against the fraternity safety coordinator on suspicion of distributing alcohol to minors.
The fraternity is commonly referred to as “Aquadelt” by students because it is the only fraternity on Greek Row with a swimming pool. Police said they do not suspect foul play or that the incident was related to hazing. The official cause and manner of death will be determined by the Alameda County Coroner’s Office.
The Alpha Delta Phi national fraternity immediately suspended the Berkeley chapter following the incident.
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“Our hearts go out to the student’s family and friends,” the organization wrote in a statement. “The individual is not a member of Alpha Delta Phi; however, the fraternity is working closely with the university and local authorities.”
UC Berkeley issued a statement Monday, indicating they are “following our protocols to offer support to the student and their family.”
