MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A West Virginia University student who died after a fraternity drinking party last year had a blood-alcohol level more than six times the legal limit.
Morgantown police chief Ed Preston released more information Tuesday regarding the death of 18-year-old Nolan Burch.
Burch, of Buffalo, N.Y., was unresponsive when Morgantown police arrived at the Kappa Sigma fraternity house at few minutes before midnight on Nov. 12. CPR was being performed and the police officer took over. After what WVU called a “catastrophic medical emergency,” there was no indication Burch ever regained consciousness. He died at Ruby Memorial Hospital.
Preston revealed Tuesday that Burch’s blood-alcohol level was 0.493. All 50 states consider 0.08 the legal limit for intoxication.
The investigation showed Burch and 19 other fraternity pledges were told to come to the house for a function called “Big-Little.” The pledges were blindfolded and taken to another building where they met the “Big,” a senior member or alumnus of Kappa Sigma, and given a bottle of liquor. Preston said Burch then consumed a large quantity of alcohol. He was taken back to the frat house and laid on a table. A fraternity member later noticed Burch had turned blue.
Preston said Morgantown police detectives interviewed dozens of people, reviewed video footage and cell phone evidence. The information was turned over to the Monongalia County Prosecutor’s Office, which will determine if criminal charges are forthcoming. The medical examiner’s report is still pending.
The national office of Kappa Sigma removed the frat’s charter last semester for other reasons. WVU also put a moratorium on some Greek activities following Burch’s death. Some of those restrictions have been relaxed in recent weeks as fraternities and sororities work on an improvement plan.
WVU released a joint statement with the WVU InterFraternity Council, WVU Pan-Hellenic Council and WVU National Pan-Hellenic Council following the Morgantown Police case update.
It stated, in part, “WVU officials will continue to cooperate with the investigation, which is currently under review by the prosecuting attorney and pending receipt of the medical examiner’s report.” In further read, “The safety of our students always comes first – and will continue to. Concern for our students is the primary reason a moratorium was placed on Greek activities Nov. 13, a day following the tragedy.”