A 19-year-old UC Berkeley student has died following a near-drowning incident at a fraternity house Friday night, according to the Berkeley Police Department. Officers responded to the off-campus fraternity in the 2400 block of Prospect Street at 11:26 p.m. and found an unresponsive person who had possibly drowned.
The student was transported to the hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead Wednesday. “We extend our deepest condolences to the student’s family, friends, and the wider campus community,” Berkeley PD said. “The harm felt by this tragic loss is profound.”
police are investigating the incident but currently suspect no foul play. Hundreds of people were reportedly at the fraternity that night, and officers observed conditions indicative of overcrowding and heavy alcohol consumption.
Berkeley Police issued a civil violation for public nuisance related to the loud and unruly gathering. The Berkeley fire Department also cited the fraternity for exceeding the 200-person limit stipulated in its Indoor Entertainment Event permit.
A separate case has been forwarded to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office for potential charges against the fraternity’s safety coordinator regarding the alleged furnishing of alcohol to minors.The Alameda county Coroner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death.
