MOSCOW, Idaho. - The Latah County Coroner on Thursday released findings in the toxicology report that University Of Idaho Student Joseph Wiederrick had a blood alcohol content of 0.17 at the time of his death. The coroner says his BAC was "likely" around .25 as alcohol continued to absorb in to his blood even after he died. The report also showed small traces of THC in his system.
In the wake of Wiederrick's death University officials say the school is evaluating its alcohol policy and relationship with fraternities and sororities. Wiederrick was attending a party the night he died at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house. U of I's dean of students, Bruce Pitman tells KHQ's Dylan Wohlenhaus that the University of Idaho is starting an "Alcohol Task Force". Pitman says the task force will be made up of staff, students and community members. It's goal is to address alcohol related issues that are on campus and in the community.
University officials say they are waiting until a police report is complete to determine if there will be any sanctions against the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Wiederrick was at a party there, the night he died and police say he was drinking. Moscow police say some sort of charges are possible related to the underage drinking that occurred the night Wiederrick died.
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MOSCOW, Idaho (AP) - Officials at the University of Idaho say they're reviewing the school's substance abuse policies and its relationships with fraternities and sororities in the wake of a freshman's alcohol-related death.
Eighteen-year-old Joseph Wiederrick froze to death under a bridge last month after he apparently got drunk at a fraternity party and became disoriented while walking home. Police said his blood-alcohol level was 0.17 at the time of his death, more than twice the legal limit to drive in Idaho.
Several students at UI and neighboring Washington State University have suffered alcohol-influenced injuries in recent month, and one WSU student died from alcohol poisoning last year.
UI Dean of Students Bruce Pitman says the school has been focusing on education and intervention but they're looking for ways to do more.
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