VCU Freshman's Cause Of Death Announced By Medical Examiner

RICHMOND, VA — The medical examiner's office has released a cause of death for Adam Oakes, a VCU freshman from Loudoun County who died in February after a fraternity party.

Oakes's death was caused by ethanol toxicity, according to the medical examiner's office. Arkuie Williams of the medical examiner's office also noted that the death was ruled as an accident. Ethanol toxicity, sometimes referred to as alcohol poisoning, can be caused by binge drinking, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Oakes was invited to join the Delta Chi fraternity, and the party in February was intended to be a "Big-Little" reveal party, where Oakes would meet his mentor within the fraternity, according to a report from the Washington Post.

VCU suspended the Delta Chi fraternity after Oakes's death. The fraternity's national office also issued a cease and desist to their VCU chapter.

The university also launched an investigation into Greek life on and off campus. "This review will make recommendations about how Greek organizations meet the high expectations we have for them," the university said in an announcement.

"Simply put, this cannot happen again," Senior vice provost Charles Klink wrote. "We will keep our community informed about the review, and its outcomes."

The university has not stated when the review will be completed, or whether the medical examiner's conclusion will influence their findings.