Alone and at risk: A statistical profile of alcohol-related college student deaths

ABSTRACT

This study profiles college students who died an alcohol-related death. Estimates of the scope of these mortality rates have received publicity but we know little about the nature of who, when, where, and how they perished. Using data derived from a website and accompanying news stories and obituaries, we constructed details about roughly 500 of these deaths. Being male, Greek, and enrolled in a four year, public institution increased the mortality odds for students. A large majority of these deaths occurred while students were alone following a drinking bout. Most students‘ perished while falling, drowning, being hit by a vehicle, or experiencing alcohol poisoning. Criminal charges were levied in one-third of these cases and families filed lawsuits in fourteen percent of these cases. Details surrounding these deaths suggest that intervention strategies center on ways in which schools and communities can partner to develop a system so that college drinkers are buddied up and can receive help when they need it.

KEYWORDS:

• Alcohol
• college students
• mortality

Notes

1. In the United States, Greek membership entails becoming a member of a social organization in which the member is vetted through a rushing and pledging process. Greek houses are single sex and members are generally sworn to secrecy.