FULLERTON, Calif. (KABC) — Authorities are continuing to investigate the death of an 18-year-old Cal State Fullerton student who was dropped off unresponsive at a local emergency department last Sunday morning after attending an off-campus fraternity gathering.<\/p>\n
Fullerton police said Anthony Blas of Whittier was unresponsive when he was taken to the hospital and was later pronounced dead. Blas’ family said he had been pledging at a fraternity house near the university.<\/p>\n
According to the family, the freshman learned Saturday morning that he had been accepted into the fraternity and was asked to return to the house that night to celebrate.<\/p>\n
As the investigation continued this week, movers were seen outside of the house north of the Cal State Fullerton campus where Blas had reportedly been pledging.<\/p>\n
“It’s just, you know, another horrifically sad case,” said attorney Jon Fazzola with the Fierberg National Law Group. He has represented families of students who died while pledging fraternities and sororities.<\/p>\n
Fazzola previously represented the family of Bea Castro, a Cal State Fullerton freshman who died in 2019.<\/p>\n
“We represented the family of Bea Castro. Bea was a freshman at Cal State Fullerton in March of 2019 when she was brought to the hospital unconscious,” Fazzola said.<\/p>\n
He said in Castro’s case nobody from the house called 911. It didn’t happen in Blas’ case either.<\/p>\n
“Which is why when I saw the statement from law enforcement that no foul play was suspected in this case, I was in shock,” Fazzola said.<\/p>\n
Police said alcohol consumption appears to have contributed to Blas’ death. Investigators have said hazing is not considered a factor at this time and that no foul play is suspected.<\/p>\n
California State University Fullerton has said the fraternity involved was off campus and police confirmed it was unaffiliated with the university. The family and students interviewed identified the fraternity as Delta Chi.<\/p>\n