Sam Martinez, a 19-year-old student at Washington State University, has been identified as the student who was found unresponsive on Tuesday, November 12 at the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house, according to KTMF. Martinez was pronounced dead by medical personnel at the scene.
Members of the fraternity reportedly attempted to perform CPR on Martinez but were unsuccessful.
“It is with great sadness that Washington State University announces the loss of one of its students,” the university said. “Earlier today, the Pullman, WA Police Department confirmed the death of a 19-year-old male student at the Alpha Tau Omega house, an off-campus fraternity. The University extends its deepest condolences to all those impacted by this heart-breaking situation.”
As a result of Martinez’s passing, Washington State has announced it will be suspending social events for all fraternities and sororities during an ongoing investigation into the freshman’s death.
“In response to this situation, all fraternities and sororities within the WSU Greek community have self-imposed an immediate suspension of all social events for the remainder of the semester,” a statement from the university said. “Washington State University will be working with the Pullman Police Department and the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity in the coming days to investigate the circumstances surrounding this death. Today, however, we are focused on supporting the student’s family and our University community.”
You can check out the local news coverage below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKL11gIMSow&feature=emb_logo
A student has died at a WSU frat house, and just moments ago the WSU fraternities and sororities said they’ll voluntarily cancel all social events for the rest of the semester.
The Pullman Police Department also released a statement reading: “If you believe that a life may be in danger as the result of an accidental overdose, never hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.”
The suspension of Alpha Tau Omega at Washington State University is the latest major Greek life suspension, expulsion, or overhaul in the last year, as schools such as Indiana University, the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, Texas State, Florida State, Ball State, Louisiana State, San Diego State, and Penn State have all suspended fraternities for various reasons.
Fraternities have been suspended or expelled across the nation as Greek life organizations and universities attempt to grapple with the pitfalls of hazing, alcohol and drug abuse, and sexual assault.
Our deepest condolences go out to Martinez’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.
