The death of a Texas State University sophomore may have been alcohol-related, police say.
A university spokesperson says Matthew Ellis, 20, of Humble, Texas, died at an off-campus location. San Marcos police say Ellis’ friends called 911 around 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 13 to report that he wasn’t breathing. When emergency crews arrived at the Millenium Apartments located at 1651 Post Rd. they found Ellis unresponsive and he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Individuals at the scene told police Ellis was a pledge for Phi Kappa Psi fraternity but he did not live at the apartment complex — he lived on campus. In a letter to the staff and students, Texas State University President Denise Trauth says Ellis was attending an off-campus social event on Sunday evening hosted by members of the fraternity.
Police say it appears Ellis’ friends took him back to their place to spend the night but authorities won’t confirm there was a fraternity event the night before.
While an official cause of death is still being determined, police say alcohol may have been a factor in Ellis’ death.
Records show Ellis was majoring in Business Administration.
All Greek Life Suspended
In light of Ellis’ death, President Trauth says she is suspending activities of all Greek fraternity and sorority chapters at the school. Effectively immediately, the chapters are prohibited from holding new-member events, chapter meetings, social functions and philanthropic activities until further notice,
Trauth says the university will conduct a “thorough review of the Greek Affairs system” and propose recommendations for reinstating the chapters that “demonstrate a commitment to the core values” of the university.
At the beginning of this year, four Texas State University fraternities were suspended after student, Jordin Taylor, 20, was found dead after a party at Cool River Ranch in Guadalupe County on Oct. 29, 2016. Taylor was dragged more than 500 feet after being hit by a bus owned by Skyline Party Bus.
Kappa Alpha was suspended for two years, Alpha Tau Omega for three years, Kappa Alpha Order for four years and Delta Tau Delta for five years.
(Information from KXAN.com)
