A college freshman from Western New York has died following a "catastrophic medical emergency" at a West Virginia University fraternity house.
Morgantown Police say officers responding to a call at the Kappa Sigma Frat House found an individual performing CPR on 18-year-old Nolan Burch.
Burch was a 2014 Canisius High School graduate from Williamsville. He was rushed to Ruby Memorial Hospital where he was in the intensive care unit in what the University said was "grave" condition. Morgantown police are investigating.
“Words cannot describe the heartache we, as a West Virginia University family, feel at the loss of one of our own – Nolan Michael Burch – who passed away today,” said WVU President E. Gordon Gee, in a statement Friday afternoon.
"I would ask that you continue to keep the Burch family and many friends in your thoughts and prayers.”
Burch was a freshman majoring in pre-sport management.
The University has placed an immediate moratorium on all Greek activities until further notice.
Canisius students prayed for Burch early Friday morning. Father Fred Betti, campus minister at Canisius, says the high school had a full house for a 7:45 a.m. mass.
"This is very difficult thing for us," said Father Betti in a WBFO interview.
"Some of Nolan's friends from St. Joe's where here. Some young ladies from Nardin Academy and their families," he added.
Father Betti reflected fondly on the type of person Burch was during his time at Canisius.
"So bubbly, so full of life. Very funny. He was loving, fun. Very, very social young man. He was an ultimate friend. A dynamic athlete," said Betti of the hockey and lacrosse player.
The school has been in touch with the family through family members and family friends.
"We realize how difficult and very challenging this time has been. Once things settle, obviously we will be in touch with his family and be as supportive as we can," noted Betti.
The West Virginia University freshman was reportedly at an underage drinking party during Greek activities for frat-pledges. WBFO News spoke University at Buffalo vice president of Life and Services Dennis Black about underage drinking.
UB has a 'zero-tolerance' policy regarding hazing and aggressiveness for Greek pledging.
"This is a on-going problem. It's been a problem for decade, after decade, after decade, fraternities, sororities and sports teams and marching bands and other organizations -- and the fact that we know it can happen and we know that it shouldn't happen says to us we simply can't tolerate it," stated Black.