Family raises hazing concerns after Black 18-year-old Cal State Fullerton student dies following fraternity gathering
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Anthony Joseph Blas died after attending an off-campus fraternity gathering as authorities investigate what happened.
The family of an 18-year-old Cal State Fullerton student is demanding a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death after he was found unresponsive following an off-campus fraternity gathering.
Anthony Joseph Blas died shortly after midnight Sunday, Sept. 13, after he was dropped off at the emergency department of St. Jude Medical Center. Medical staff attempted to save him, but he was pronounced dead soon after arriving, according to the Fullerton Police Department.
The circumstances surrounding Blas’ final hours have left his relatives seeking answers, particularly over why emergency services were apparently not contacted when he became unresponsive.
In a statement shared with The New York Post, Blas’ family said it was “deeply concerned that hazing may have played a role” and called on authorities and university officials to conduct a “complete and transparent investigation.”
“One of the most troubling questions for our family is why 911 was not called when Anthony was found unresponsive,” the family said.
Relatives said they want investigators to establish what happened in the hours before Blas was taken to the hospital, who was present at the gathering and when those there realized he was in distress.
The family identified the fraternity allegedly connected to the gathering as Delta Chi, but stressed that it was not assigning responsibility to any individual.
“At this time, we are not making conclusions about the responsibility of any individual,” the family said. “We are asking for facts, accountability, and answers.”
Police have so far offered a different assessment of the circumstances. Detectives said Blas had been attending a function at an “unaffiliated fraternity” near Associated Road and Milton Avenue. Their preliminary investigation indicates alcohol consumption appears to have contributed to his death, while investigators said they have found no evidence of foul play and do not currently consider hazing a factor.
The official cause and manner of death will be determined by the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.
The fraternity’s history has also drawn attention. According to reporting cited by The New York Post, Delta Chi previously lost its recognition at Cal State Fullerton following alleged violations that included hazing-related conduct. The national fraternity has said its CSUF chapter was closed in 2021 and has not been recognized or authorized since then.
Cal State Fullerton said it is supporting affected students and providing counseling services as the investigation continues.
Blas’ relatives are asking anyone with photographs, videos, messages or other information from the gathering to preserve the material and provide it to investigators. Their central questions remain focused on what happened before the teenager reached the hospital and whether anything could have been done differently.