The Kappa Sigma fraternity house at the University of Colorado Boulder. (Linus Loughry/CU Independent)
The Boulder Police Department is investigating an incident that saw several male college students treated or hospitalized after heavy alcohol consumption at the Kappa Sigma fraternity house.
First responders were called to the Boulder Community Hospital and the University of Colorado Boulder Kappa Sigma fraternity house after reports of individuals showing signs of overdoses. Police initially indicated that at least six men were ill, but now believe there were five.
Officers arrived to find the men visibly sick and throwing up. Naloxone was administered, which led investigators to initially look at the possibility the men overdosed from a tainted batch of cocaine and alcohol consumption. Detectives seized cocaine found at the scene, which is currently being tested. They said it does not appear fentanyl was involved.
In a press release Tuesday, BPD indicated that detectives now believe fentanyl was not involved and that extreme amounts of alcohol and some drug consumption led to the individuals becoming violently ill.
A spokesperson for the University of Colorado confirmed to 9News that all individuals attended the university and had attended a party that evening at the Kappa Sigma fraternity house.
BPD spokesperson Dionne Waugh stated that detectives are investigating the incident for possible hazing. The Gamma-Tau chapter of Kappa Sigma was expelled from the Interfraternity Council on The Hill in 2015 due to concerns over safety violations. The fraternity is no longer affiliated with IFC on The Hill or the university.
This investigation is still in the early stages, and detectives will be seeking cooperation from Kappa Sigma and its members. The fraternity chapter did not respond to a request for comment from the CU Independent before the publication of this story.
In a press release Sunday, BPD asked community members to be mindful of the dangers of illegal drug and alcohol consumption. Students can access free Narcan from the university’s Health and Wellness Center.
BPD is asking anyone with information to call 303-441-1974.
Contact CU Independent Managing Editor Lincoln Roch at lincoln.roch@colorado.edu.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
