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USU fraternity, sorority indefinitely suspended
November 25, 2008 Top of page Article
Reported that the Sigma Nu Fraternity and Chi Omega Sorority at Utah State University “indefinitely suspended” following the death of student Michael Starks. Michael died after consuming alcohol at an off-campus residence. Policeare investigating the death as a case of hazing and reported hat his blood alcohol content was higher than 0.35.
Student's death leads to suspensions
Published: November 26, 2008 Top of page Article
Reported on Michael Starks, the investigation and the suspension of the fraternity and sorority.
— Aaron Falk
© 2008 Deseret News Publishing Company | All rights reserved
Alcohol poisoning a 'reward' gone awry, teen's family says USU death » University and national Greek officials crack down on fraternity, sorority.
By Brian Maffly
The Salt Lake Tribune Top of page Article
Salt Lake TribuneUpdated:11/26/2008 07:00:26 PM MST
Reported that Michael Starks was identified the most desired pledge and as a "reward," a posse of sisters from the neighboring sorority "kidnapped" Starks to as start of a night of drinking that ended with Michael's death. The induction routine was the same that other fraternity brothers endured in past years. Police reported that a 19-year-old woman provided fatal amounts of alcohol to Michael
Tribune reporter Melinda Rogers contributed to this story.
Two Utah State Greeks Suspended in Death of New Member
Fraternity, sorority suspended
By Kim Burgess and Charles Geraci
Friday, November 28, 2008 Top of page Article
Reported on the suspended Greek organizations and their probable role in Michael Starks death as part of an initiation rite.
By Brian Maffly
The Salt Lake Tribune
Police widen probe into student's alcohol deathHazing? » 'Charges are pending' in Friday's death at a USU frat house.
By Brian Maffly
The Salt Lake Tribune Top of page Article
Salt Lake TribuneUpdated:11/25/2008 09:45:46 AM MST
Reported that police and prosecutors were investigating whether Michalel Starks died as a result of hazing, which can be punishable as a felony under Utah law. "The more people we talk to, the broader this becomes. … It's bigger than we expected. We have five or six locations," said Chief Russ Roper.
bmaffly@sltrib.com
Police confirm cause of student’s death
By Matthew K. Jensen Top of page ArticleDecember 24, 2008
Reported that police confirmed that alcohol poisoning was determined to be the official cause of death of Michael Starks. Police also announced that charges will be filed against the person or persons who are responsible for providing alcohol to a minor.
E-mail:mjensen@hjnews.com
Utah St launching review following student death ArticleAssociated Press - January 8, 2009 11:25 AM ET Top of page
Reported that Utah State University is reviewing all policies connected to campus student organizations following the death of Michael Starks. Also reported that misdemeanors were filed against 12 Utah State students.
Information from: The Herald Journal, http://www.hjnews.com
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Students charged with hazing death
Published: Jan. 13, 2009 at 9:39 PM Top of page Article
Reported that twelve Utah State University students were charged with contributing to the alcohol-poisoning death of fraternity pledge, Michael Starks. Charged were four members of the Sigma Nu fraternity including the chapter president and eight members of the Chi Omega sorority. The chapters have been charged with felony hazing.
© 2009 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Tragic consequences on Utah State campus
Underage binge drinking leads to death
By: Christy Cooper and Bruce Cummings
Posted: 2/10/09 Top of page Article
Reported on some of the specific of the events leading to the death of Michael Starks. While friends watched and challenged him, he drank three-fourths of a liter of vodka in an hour. When he passed out, his friends called Poison Control and asked the operator for signs of alcohol poisoning.. The operator said to monitor Michael and make sure he was responsive. If he could not be awakened at any point to take him immediately to the hospital. Michael was placed in a room with two other fraternity members also passed out from intoxication. A student was assigned to come and check on them every 30 - 45 minutes but at 3:45 a.m., Michael could not be awakened.Reported on the procedures in place on campuses to address underage and excessive student drinking and provided the following guide:
"Critical signs for alcohol poisoning
• Mental confusion, stupor, coma, or person cannot be roused
• Excessive vomiting
• Seizures
• Slow, shallow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute)
• Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)
• Bluish lips or skin, paleness, low body temperature (collegedrinkingprevention.gov)"
Other useful information was provided in the article.
© Copyright 2009 The Forum
First USU student pleads guilty to hazing in alcohol death
By Brian Maffly
The Salt Lake Tribune Top of page Article
Updated: 03/24/2009 10:30:19 AM MDT
Reported that Sadie Green, 19, was the first to plead guilty to hazing. 11 other former fraternity and sorority members are charged in the alleged hazing death of Michael Starks.
USU student pleads guilty to supplying alcohol to minor, hazing charge dropped
Published: Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Top of page Article
Reported that Whitney Katherine Miller, 19, pled guilty to unlawful supply of alcohol to a minor, a class A misdemeanor in connection with the alcohol poisoning death of fraternity pledge Michael Starks. Two other students have already entered pleas and six additional students charged in the case have scheduled court dates.
— Ethan Thomas
USU sorority sister sentenced to jail in alcohol poisoning death
By Stephen Hunt Top of page Article
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake TribuneUpdated:06/16/2009 05:24:22 PM MDT
Reported that Whitney Katherine Miller, a Utah State University Chi Omega sorority member, was sentenced to 30 days in jail. Miller brought a fifth of vodka to a party where Sigma Nu pledge Michael Starks died of alcohol-poisoning death.
shunt@sltrib.com
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