A California college freshman died from suspected alcohol poisoning after attending a party at a fraternity that was not officially recognized by his university, police said.
Anthony Joseph Blas, 18, had recently begun his first semester at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), east of Los Angeles, when he attended the gathering earlier this month.
Blas was taken to a local emergency room at 12:07 a.m. on September 13, arriving unresponsive, according to the Fullerton Police Department. Medical staff tried to save his life, but their efforts were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Detectives launched an investigation and determined that Blas had attended “a function at an unaffiliated fraternity” that night, police said.
The Fullerton Police Department said alcohol consumption “appears to have been a contributing factor” in his death. The official cause and manner of death will be determined by the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.
Police did not identify the unaffiliated fraternity. However, the intersection where officers responded is the location of the Delta Chi fraternity house, the Orange County Register reported.
The fraternity’s national office told the newspaper that it does not officially recognize the Delta Chi chapter at CSUF. The university’s website says the chapter lost its recognition in 2021 following nine violations.
The violations included hazing or conspiracy to haze, as well as the use, possession, manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol.
Anthony Joseph Blas, 18, died from suspected alcohol poisoning earlier this month, shortly after beginning his first semester at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF)
Blas reportedly attended a party at the university’s Delta Chi fraternity chapter on the night he died, although the chapter is not officially recognized by either the fraternity’s national office or the university
The chapter lost CSUF recognition in 2021 following nine violations, including hazing allegations. Blas, second from right, is pictured with family members at his high school graduation
Delta Chi’s national office told the Orange County Register: “Delta Chi has proactively worked with university officials to make students aware that no active Delta Chi chapter exists at California State University, Fullerton.
“We fully support a thorough and transparent review of the facts by the appropriate authorities. Anthony’s family deserves answers, and all those affected deserve a complete understanding of the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.”
Our News Outlet has contacted Delta Chi’s national office for further comment.
Although the chapter lost university recognition five years ago amid hazing allegations, the Fullerton Police Department said hazing is not currently believed to have contributed to Blas’s death and that there is no evidence of foul play.
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Fullerton Police Sergeant Ryan O’Neil told the Orange County Register, however, that “obviously… things could change” as the investigation continues.
In a statement to CBS News, Blas’s family called for “a complete and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Anthony’s death.”
The family said it remains “deeply concerned that hazing may have played a role” in the student’s death, despite the police department’s current assessment.
“One of the most troubling questions for our family is why 911 was not called when Anthony was found unresponsive,” the statement continued.
Blas’s family said it remains “deeply concerned that hazing may have played a role” in his death. The student is pictured with family members
The family said they are hoping to raise awareness about ‘fake, underground, and unrecognized fraternities and organizations.’ Blas is pictured when he was a little boy
‘We want to know what happened in the hours leading up to his death, who was present, when those present realized he was in distress, and why 911 was never contacted.’
‘At this time, we are not making conclusions about the responsibility of any individual. We are asking for facts, accountability, and answers,’ the statement added.
CSUF also shared a statement with the outlet that said: ‘Cal State Fullerton is aware of the death of a student that occurred over the weekend at an off-campus residence.
‘Our hearts are with the student’s family and the campus community during this incredibly difficult time.’
Blas’s family has organized an online fundraiser to help cover ‘any costs that have come with this sudden tragedy’ and use surplus funds to help raise awareness about ‘unrecognized fraternities and organizations.’
‘Our hope is to work with lawmakers, educators, and communities to push for stronger awareness and education for incoming college students, especially freshmen, about fake, underground, and unrecognized fraternities and organizations,’ the fundraiser states.
On the fundraising page, Blas’s family described him as ‘a fun, loving, and unforgettable person,’ who ‘had so much life ahead of him.’
‘He loved playing football along with his twin brother. He was excited about his future and the dreams he was just beginning to build for himself,’ the family added.
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