Dead WVU frat pledge, 18, tested 6 times the legal alcohol limit

Further investigation by the Morgantown Police Department involving the death of West Virginia University student Nolan Burch has revealed that Burch, along with 19 other fraternity pledges of Kappa Sigma, were participating in an initiation function referred to as "Big-Little" the night of the incident, according to Morgantown Chief of Police Ed Preston.

According to medical tests performed on Burch following the incident, it was found that Burch's blood alcohol level was 0.493, more than six times the legal limit for a person 21 years of age. Burch was 18 at the time of his death.

The investigation revealed that Burch, along with the other pledges, were taken into a room in the fraternity, blindfolded and then led to another location at 305 Glendon Street by fraternity members. The pledges were then presented to the "big," which is a senior member or alumnus of Kappa Sigma, and presented with a bottle of liquor, according to the news release.

Burch was later taken back to 200 Belmar Avenue due to his very high level of intoxication and was laid on a table. At approximately 11:50 p.m., another member of Kappa Sigma observed that Burch's face was turning blue, and he tried to wake him up, said police. At approximately 11:52 p.m., the first officer on scene of the incident found an individual performing CPR on Burch, who was on the floor without any pulse or respiration, according to the news release. The officer continued to perform CPR until arrival of emergency medical personnel.

Detectives of the Morgantown Police Department have conducted dozens of interviews, reviewed footage from a number of security cameras and reviewed cell phone evidence, said police, and the investigation is currently under review by the Monongalia County Prosecutor's Office. The medical examiners report is also still pending.

A determination of criminal charges will be made following the final review by the prosecutor's office, authorities said.