Virginia Commonwealth University freshman Adam Oakes died of “ethanol toxicity,” otherwise known as alcohol poisoning, according to a spokesperson for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
In an email, the medical examiner's office said the death is being considered an accident. The department was unable to provide VPM any additional information on the case.
Oakes, 19, died in late February after an alleged incident of hazing by the VCU chapter of the Delta Chi fraternity. The group was suspended soon after his death, and university officials have since recommended for the frat to be permanently banned.
VCU is also currently conducting an independent review of all Greek life organizations on campus in response to Oakes’ death.