Purdue News
Purdue News
A member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity fell to his death from a third-floor window early last Friday. Tippecanoe County coroner Martin Avolt released toxicology test results today (Friday, 9/19) that indicate the presence of alcohol in the body of Nathan A. Frank, 20, a junior from Syracuse, Ind.
Frank fell from the open window of a cold-air dorm at the fraternity in the early-morning hours last Friday. His body was discovered about 6:30 a.m. The West Lafayette Police Department and coroner's office then began their investigation after being notified of the accident.
"The Office of the Dean of Students will look into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. It has been clearly revealed that Nathan Frank's family and friends knew he was prone to sleepwalking, but the presence of alcohol in his body compels us to examine whether alcohol-use regulations pertaining to fraternities and sororities were properly followed," said Stephen J. Akers, interim dean of students.
Akers said his office will work in cooperation with the Interfraternity Council's Judicial Board in the inquiry. The council and the Panhellenic Association have specific regulations in their alcohol policy that are in accordance with all local, state and Purdue regulations governing the use and/or consumption of alcohol.
Jacques Vauclain, executive director of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity in Richmond, Va., has indicated that the national office is very interested in working with Purdue, the local chapter, the Office of the Dean of Students and other authorities in reviewing the circumstances leading to Frank's death.
Akers said university regulations on alcohol use note, in part, that all Purdue students are responsible for complying with the Indiana Alcoholic Beverages Law. Alcohol use in off-campus fraternities, sororities and cooperative housing organizations is subject to several regulations, including a prohibition on the sale of alcohol at any event; a prohibition on the presence or consumption of alcohol at an admission-charged or open-to-the-public event; or the consumption of alcohol or display of containers outside.
Sources: Stephen J. Akers: 765-494-1239
Jacques Vauclain: 804-353-1901, Ext. 27
Writer: Greg Zawisza: 765-494-2086
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
