Nolan Michael Burch died two days after being found unconscious in a fraternity house at West Virginia University (WVU). The 18-year-old victim was a freshman at the school, majoring in pre-sport management.
Burch was found unconscious in an off-campus fraternity house, when emergency responders answered a call to treat a catastrophic medical emergency. The incident took place around midnight on Nov. 12. College police were not immediately called to the location.
WVU officials immediately placed a moratorium on all fraternities and sororities following the death.
"The action to halt fraternity and sorority activities while these matters are being reviewed is being done with the well-being and safety of our students in mind. That is -- and must always be -- our foremost priority," Corey Farris, Dean of Students said.
A previous disturbance at the campus on Nov. 6 was also cited in the announcement to shut down Greek life at the school. During that incident, involving a disturbance in the South Park neighborhood of Morgantown, three students were arrested and 16 were cited by police.
The Morganville chapter of the fraternity saw its charter revoked by the national management of Kappa Sigma in October, due to repeated infractions of their code of conduct.
A university newspaper stated that Burch was pledging to be accepted into the fraternity, during what authorities are calling an "eventful night" at the frat house.
"Words cannot describe the heartache we, as a West Virginia University family, feel at the loss of one of our own -- Nolan Michael Burch -- who passed away today," E. Gordon Gee, president of West Virginia University, said.
When emergency responders arrived at the Kappa Sigma house, they found Burch on the ground, with a witness performing CPR on him. The patient was quickly sent to Ruby Memorial Hospital, managed by WVU Healthcare.
Police are still investigating the events that took place, leading to the death of the Williamsville, New York native. Several members of the fraternity and others who were present when Burch collapsed could be questioned by authorities. No charges have yet been filed in the case, although students or others could be prosecuted in the death of the teen.
Ed Preston, Morgantown police chief, told reporters the accidental death was related to alcohol, although he would not confirm whether or not Burch died due to alcohol poisoning.
Burch's family is working to donate his kidneys to those in need of a transplant, hoping to save the lives of others.
Mental health professionals at WVU are offering assistance and therapy for any student who seeks help following the unexpected death of Burch.
