【ANN NEWS, FULLERTON】 An 18-year-old freshman at California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) lost consciousness after attending an off-campus fraternity gathering and later died after being taken to a hospital. Police said a preliminary investigation indicates that alcohol consumption may have been one of the factors in his death, and the case remains under investigation.
The deceased was 18-year-old Anthony Joseph Blas of Whittier, who graduated this year from Los Altos High School in Hacienda Heights and began college several weeks ago. According to police, at approximately 12:07 a.m. on September 13, Blas was brought unconscious to the emergency room at Providence St. Jude Medical Center, where medical personnel attempted to resuscitate him but he was pronounced dead.
Fullerton police determined that Blas had attended a fraternity event that evening near Associated Road and Milton Avenue. Police specifically noted that the fraternity has no official affiliation with Cal State Fullerton.
Police said that based on the preliminary investigation, alcohol consumption may have been a factor in Blas’ death, but the official cause and manner of death have yet to be determined by the Orange County coroner’s office. Police have found no evidence of homicide and said that at this stage they do not believe hazing（initiation-related bullying or dangerous initiation rituals）was a factor in his death.
However, Blas’ family has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident. The family told CBS Los Angeles that they are concerned about whether hazing may have played a role and are calling on law enforcement and the university to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation. The family particularly wants to know why 911 was not called immediately after Blas was found unconscious and what exactly happened that night.
Cal State Fullerton said it was aware of the student’s death and was providing counseling and other support to affected students. The university said that because the case remains under investigation, further questions about the incident would be referred to Fullerton police.
Blas’ official cause of death has not yet been released, and the case remains under investigation. Police are asking anyone who attended the event that night or has relevant photos, videos or other information to provide information to investigators.
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