The family of 18-year-old Anthony Joseph Blas is demanding a full and transparent investigation after the Cal State Fullerton freshman was found unresponsive following an off-campus fraternity gathering and later died at St. Jude Medical Center. Relatives say they are concerned hazing may have been involved and question why 911 was not called. Police say preliminary findings point to alcohol as a contributing factor, report no evidence of foul play, and say the coroner will determine the official cause of death. Cal State Fullerton is offering counseling to affected students while investigators continue their work.
Family Demands Answers After 18-Year-Old Cal State Fullerton Student Found Unresponsive Following Fraternity Event
FULLERTON CALIFORNIA - 23 MAY 2020: Sign and arch at Langsdorf Hall on the campus of California State University Fullerton, CSUF. (Adobe Stock Images)
The family of 18-year-old Anthony Joseph Blas is calling for a full, transparent investigation after the Cal State Fullerton freshman was found unresponsive following an off-campus fraternity gathering and later died at St. Jude Medical Center.
Blas was brought to the emergency department shortly after midnight on Sunday, Sept. 13. Medical staff attempted to revive him but he was pronounced dead soon after arrival, the Fullerton Police Department said.
Family Seeks Clarity and Raises Hazing Concerns
Relatives say the hours before Blas was taken to the hospital remain unclear and are particularly troubled that 911 was apparently not called when he was first found unresponsive. In a statement shared with The New York Post, the family said they are "deeply concerned that hazing may have played a role" and urged university and law enforcement officials to conduct a "complete and transparent investigation."
"At this time, we are not making conclusions about the responsibility of any individual. We are asking for facts, accountability, and answers," the family said.
Police Preliminary Findings
Fullerton detectives said Blas had attended a function at an unaffiliated fraternity near Associated Road and Milton Avenue. Investigators' preliminary findings indicate alcohol consumption appears to have contributed to his death. Detectives reported they have found no evidence of foul play and do not currently consider hazing to be a factor.
The official cause and manner of death will be determined by the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner's Office.
Fraternity Background and University Response
The family identified the fraternity allegedly connected to the gathering as Delta Chi. Reporting cited by The New York Post indicates Delta Chi previously lost recognition at Cal State Fullerton amid alleged violations, including conduct tied to hazing. The national Delta Chi organization has said the CSUF chapter was closed in 2021 and has not been recognized or authorized since then.
Cal State Fullerton said it is providing counseling and support services to affected students while the investigation continues.
Request For Witnesses
Blas' relatives are asking anyone with photographs, videos, messages or other information from the gathering to preserve the material and provide it to investigators. Their core questions focus on what happened in the hours leading up to his hospitalization and whether anything could have been done differently to help him.
Authorities continue to investigate and the community has been urged to share any relevant information with law enforcement.
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