An emotional start to a new school year, losing a fellow classmate who was just 18 years old.
"Its just devastating to everybody," said Andrew Mccormick, Fresno State student.
A candlelight vigil was held on Fresno State campus for 18-year old Philip Dhanens who died over the weekend after police say he was drinking heavily at the Theta Chi fraternity house. Andrew Gong is a fraternity pledge, like Philip was.
"Its kind of a message to all the pledges. To be careful and just be thankful for all the people, our families and friends," said Gong.
The investigation continues into what led up to Dhanens' death. His girlfriend says she heard Philip drank two bottles of rum Friday night at the fraternity. According to police, someone put Philip in the so-called sober up room. Later, when a person went to check on him, he was unconscious. An autopsy Tuesday showed Philip didn't choke on his vomit or hit his head. A toxicology report could reveal more.
"If u have a blood alcohol level of .4 or above, we don't have to find anything else to figure out why a person expired," said Dr. David Hadden, Fresno County Coroner.
Fresno State's President, Dr. John Welty was at the vigil. And although he would not comment on the allegations of excessive drinking. He did say he's proud to see how many students showed their respect for a young man whose life was taken too soon.
"I think once again tonight we saw what a caring community we have as people came out to join each other at this moment of great sorrow," said Dr. Welty.
The Toxicology report could be complete by the end of this week.
