A student from the University of California, Berkeley has tragically died after drowning in a pool during an off-campus fraternity party. It appears that someone could face legal consequences for allegedly supplying alcohol for the event.
Berkeley police reported on Wednesday that a 19-year-old was found unconscious around 11:30 p.m. on November 14 at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house on Prospect Street. He succumbed to his injuries nearly a week after being hospitalized in critical condition.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the wider campus community,” police shared with the Post, though they didn’t specify the date of the student’s death.
A police statement noted that this loss has greatly affected the community.
The fraternity house, which is the only one in Greek Row equipped with a swimming pool, hosted approximately 300 attendees, exceeding its capacity limit and ignoring the necessary permits for indoor gatherings. Authorities indicated that there were several violations related to the event.
The student was given CPR at the scene and then taken to a local hospital where he remained critically ill until his unfortunate passing.
Details remain murky regarding whether the unnamed student was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident or how he ended up in the pool.
“We are profoundly saddened to learn of the drowning incident involving a UC Berkeley student at an off-campus sanctioned fraternity on November 14, 2025,” stated the University of California, Berkeley.
“This tragic news weighs heavily on us, and we want to express our condolences to the student’s family and friends.”
While police do not believe there was any foul play, the case involving the fraternity’s safety coordinator has been forwarded to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office to assess whether charges should be filed for providing alcohol to a minor.
Following the incident, Alpha Delta Phi decided to suspend its chapter at UC Berkeley.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the student,” said Frat Executive Director Steve Urfers.
“The individual involved is not a member of Alpha Delta Phi. The fraternity is cooperating fully with the university and local law enforcement and took immediate action to suspend the chapter after receiving the initial report. As this is an ongoing investigation, we can’t disclose further information.”
The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Alameda County Coroner’s Office.
