A 19-year-old University of California, Berkeley student has died days after nearly drowning during a crowded fraternity party on Greek Row.
On Wednesday, Nov. 19, police confirmed the student died following the incident, which happened on Friday, Nov. 14, according to the Los Angeles Times, CW affiliate KRON and The Berkeley Scanner.
UC Berkeley said in a statement that it was informed by the Berkeley Police Department of the student’s death after the drowning at an off-campus fraternity. The university offered condolences to the student’s family and friends and said the campus community is mourning the loss.
The Berkeley Police Department also extended condolences, saying the impact of the tragedy is “profound” for the student’s loved ones and the wider campus.
The student has not been publicly identified. The Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau had no additional updates. Berkeley police and fire officials did not immediately provide further comment.
The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. local time at an off-campus Alpha Delta Phi fraternity pool, CBS affiliate KPIX and SFGate previously reported. Authorities said firefighters performed CPR before the student was taken to a hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition.
Investigators have not said whether the student had been drinking before entering the pool. Police told outlets they do not believe hazing played a role and have ruled out foul play.
When officers reached the scene at about 2422 Prospect St., they found a large gathering with more than 300 people present, The Berkeley Scanner reported. Police said conditions appeared consistent with overcrowding and heavy alcohol use. Since then, the fraternity has received a civil notice of violation related to public nuisances during loud, unruly events. The fire department also cited the organization for violating an Indoor Entertainment Event permit, according to The Berkeley Scanner.
Officials said the fraternity’s on-site safety coordinator, who is also 19, may face charges on suspicion of providing alcohol to minors, the Los Angeles Times, KRON and The Berkeley Scanner reported.
Alpha Delta Phi’s national leadership released a statement expressing sympathy for the student’s family and friends, noting that the student was not a member of the fraternity. The organization said it is cooperating with university and local authorities and suspended the chapter immediately after the incident. The investigation remains ongoing.
