VU fraternities taking precautions after student death

KNOX CO., IN (WFIE) - Police say they believe alcohol was a factor in the death of 19-year-old Vincennes University student William Torrance, after a bid night ceremony at a fraternity.

Some fraternity members tell 14 News, they even canceled their bid night activities Friday night after Torrance was found dead early that morning.

Those who knew the freshman say he'll be missed.

"For those who actually knew Will, this is kind of a comforting stage," said Torrance's friend Jake Johnson.

Johnson says he met Torrance during freshman orientation.

"He always wanted to be outside doing something with his friends," said Johnson. "He always wanted to be active."

Vincennes Police say he was found dead early Friday morning at Delta Gamma Iota, where they say minors were drinking the night before.

"This is one of the times where we just have to stick through it," said Johnson.

The university says Delta Gamma Iota hasn't been recognized by the campus since Fall 2010, due to unmet requirements. Another fraternity tells 14 News, this event reminds them of the importance of alcohol safety.

"I'm working to stop the underage drinking because we don't need that kind of risk with us trying to get back onto campus," said Pi Lambda Phi member Michael Jackson.

Some fraternity members say if there is alcohol at parties, they take precautions.

"We have a bunch of people that stay at the parties that don't drink, and just make sure that everyone else is okay," said Pi Lambda Phi member Zach Walker.

"They're not walking by themselves, or driving," said Jackson.

School officials tell 14 News, after two student deaths already this year, they're making sure students know about year-round campus counseling. Also, they are working on offering even more alcohol safety sessions and getting students through what they call 'community-felt' tragedies.

"We all just have to be friends, learn, and comfort each other," said Johnson.

Police are awaiting toxicology results and are still investigating the cause of death.

For more information about Vincennes University's Counseling Services, click here.