The heartbroken family of a freshman from Cal State Fullerton, who tragically passed away after being left at a hospital, is determined to prevent another student from experiencing a similar fate.
Anthony Joseph Blas, an 18-year-old college freshman, died after reportedly being dropped off unresponsive at St. Jude Medical Center following an off-campus fraternity event on September 13.
Authorities suspect that his death is related to alcohol consumption from the fraternity gathering.
“Our hope is to collaborate with lawmakers… to enhance awareness and educate incoming college students, particularly freshmen, about the risks associated with underground or unrecognized fraternities and organizations; how to spot them; and the dangers of joining such groups,” the family shared on a GoFundMe page.
They feel strongly that students should receive this crucial information before they arrive on campus and before being approached by such organizations.
“We want incoming students and their families to know what questions to ask, how to check if an organization is officially recognized, what warning signs to be aware of, and where they can seek assistance if something doesn’t seem right,” they expressed.
Blas’s family hopes to honor their son’s memory by advocating for better education and awareness to spare others the pain they’re enduring.
Recently turning 18, Blas was enthusiastic about his future, with dreams that he was just beginning to pursue, as his family described.
It’s reported that he attended an event linked to Delta Chi, a fraternity that lost its university recognition due to hazing allegations back in 2021.
The fraternity faced expulsion from the university, stemming from issues related to hazing and illegal substance use.
Following the chapter’s closure, Delta Chi has worked to inform students that no active chapter exists at CSU Fullerton.
While it’s not officially confirmed that Delta Chi’s event was involved, it was noted that it was located at the same intersection relevant to Blas’s attendance.
His family is calling for a thorough investigation, raising concerns that hazing might have contributed to his death.
They’re also seeking clarification on why emergency services weren’t alerted when Anthony was found unresponsive, and they want to know who had been with him leading up to that moment.
A GoFundMe organized by Blas’s family has gathered over $1,800 towards a goal of $10,000.
This situation emerges amid another troubling series of events at a different university in Southern California, where four reported rapes in just three weeks have left students at Cal State San Marcos feeling unsafe.
