
Police: Drinking Was Factor in BU Student Death
Detectives say drinking is believed to have been a contributing factor in the death of a Binghamton University student at a frat party.
Authorities say 18-year-old Conor Donnelly of Pearl River died Saturday afternoon at Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City.
According to Binghamton police, Donnelly fell when he tried to climb to a third-floor balcony from the fourth-floor balcony on the back side of a building at 92 Front Street. The incident was reported at 2:11 p.m. Saturday.
When police arrived at the scene, Donnelly had stopped breathing. CPR was administered and he was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Donnelly was a freshman at Binghamton University. He was attending a house party hosted by Alpha Sigma Phi at its frat house.
Investigators say Donnelly was in the process of pledging to the fraternity. Police say the party was attended by many students. Detectives said there is no evidence Donnelly's death was the result of hazing.
Police say autopsy findings support that Donnelly had been drinking and "it is believed that this was a contributing factor."
The death occurred on what had been billed as "New Parade Day," an event to allow Binghamton University students to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Most students were not in the area on March 4, when the city's traditional St. Patrick's parade was held this year.
For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.
More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM








