Cal State Chico Student Dies After Alcohol Overdose

Mason Sumnicht, 21, was a San Diego native

The alcohol-related death of a San Diego man at Cal State University Chico has led to the suspension of all fraternities and sororities on campus.

The Cal State Chico president says the university has to review and establish new guidelines for campus frats and sororities after the recent death of 21-year-old student Mason Sumnicht, originally of San Diego.

Sumnicht was reportedly pledging to Sigma Pi.

According to the Butte County Coroner’s office, Sumnicht died of alcohol poisoning. He overdosed on the night of his 21st birthday on Nov. 4 and was hospitalized. He was taken off life support and died Thursday.

On Thursday, the president of Cal State Chico gathered students involved in the Greek system to discuss the dangers of excessive drinking and a so-called “free pass” that allows a fraternity brother to drink 21 shots of alcohol on his 21st birthday.

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