Dead student had Dec. 1 hearing pending
 for pre-WVU under-age alcohol issues

By Kim Freda, WBOY-TV Assignment Editor

A moratorium on all Greek activities continues at West Virginia University following the death of freshman Nolan Burch and the national charter suspension of two fraternities including Beta Theta Pi and Kappa Sigma.

Morgantown Police are still investigating how Burch ended up unresponsive on a fraternity house floor on November 12, suffering from what was described by university officials as a "catastrophic medical emergency."  More than a week after the incident, authorities have not confirmed Burch's official cause of death, which will be determined by a medical examiner.  

New details obtained Friday indicated that Burch received citations for possession of alcohol and underage consumption on March 22, 2014, nearly five months before beginning his freshman year at West Virginia University.  Burch was scheduled to appear in Monongalia County court at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 1.  Burch's charges will be vacated, said Morgantown Police Chief Ed Preston.

WVU President Gordon Gee described Burch as being full of energy and enthusiasm in a letter to the university community. "Those who knew him well spoke for his love for life, his positive attitude and his passion for West Virginia University," said Gee.  Burch's organs were donated through Ruby Memorial Hospital to patients in need, which kept three people alive, said Gee.

Gee also called for a culture change at the university, citing alcohol and irresponsible, reckless behaviors that often follow.  The university's fraternity and sorority councils, along with the Office of Student Activities, plan to bring a national facilitator to campus following Thanksgiving break to assist students in what it describes as "thoughtful discussions and development of solutions."