13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Wabash College investigates student's death

Wabash College investigates student's death

Chris Proffitt/Eyewitness News

Crawfordsville - Wabash College is investigating the death of an 18-year-old student. Johnny Smith died over the weekend in a fraternity house. Now the college is helping students cope with the loss.

Wabash College has about 850 students, and many are in disbelief over Smith's death.

The body of Johnny Smith was found early Sunday inside the Delta Tau Delta fraternity house, where he was a member.

"He's been here seven weeks and the circles of friends that Johnny's developed are all impacted, and so this is a very tough day for all of us," said Mike Raters, Wabash College dean of students.

It's believed that Smith, a former member of the Wabash College football team, died sometime during the night. He was found by fraternity members early Sunday.

In an email to Eyewitness News partners at The Indianapolis Star, Smith's grandmother said Smith complained to relatives about being pressured by other fraternity members to drink alcohol.

The college's alcohol policy allows 21-year-old students to drink on campus. College officials, along with police investigators, are trying to determine if alcohol played a role in Smith's death.

"If that were to be the case, we would respond swiftly and decisively with penalties up to and including suspension and expulsion," said Patrick White, Wabash College president.

An Arizona native, Smith joined Delta Tau Delta in August. The Fishers-based international fraternity says Smith was found unconscious in a sleeping dorm.

College officials say alcohol has been brought up as a potential factor in the student's death.

"Sure it's been brought up as to a possibility, but we don't know right now," said Raters.

With an autopsy scheduled for this week, investigators hope to determine if alcohol was a factor in the 18-year-old's death. They will also look at toxicology results.

Smith's family is headed to the Wabash College campus, looking for answers as to why their son died.