Deaths from Alcohol Overdose, 2006

In 2004, at least nineteen people of college age  died of alcohol toxicity (alcohol poisoning, alcohol overdose).

"There's no place  that's actually keeping data on alcohol deaths"--Thomas Kunstman MD

Alcohol Overdose Deaths on Campus or Those Under Age
[decedent's name with link], [age], [DoD], [university] [BAC]

The following list is generated by news reports listing cause of death as alcohol related.  I am sure there are more.

1. Danny Daniels, 19, January 10, 2006 California State University at Fresno, BAC 0.34
2. Wade Phillips, 17,  February 2, 2006,  Sinagua High School, BAC unknown.
3. John Allen Pickett, jr., 20, February 24, 2006, Frostburg State College, BAC unknown.
4. Joel Nelson, 20, March 11, 2006, Hampstead, Maryland,  BAC 0.37
5. Matthew Pearlstone, 19,  March 17, 2006, Cornell University, BAC unknown
6. Adrian Wayne Hartman, 17, March 24, 2006, Wasilla, Alaska, BAC unknown
7. Amanda Berhendt, 16, March 17, 2006, Parma Heights, Ohio, BAC unknown
8. Corey Mattison, 18, March 14 2006,  Binghampton University, BAC unknown
9. Dillan Waterman, 16, March 25, 2006, Dumont, Iowa, BAC 0.32
10. Paul Frederick Kuhn, 17, April 15 2006, Lafayette, Tennessee, BAC unknown
11. Kenneth E. Elkins, 13, April 16, 2006,  Auburn, Washington,  BAC 0.37
12. Arnauld van den Broghe, ,17,  October 27, 2006, Merrill High School, Wisconsin,  BAC 0.27
13. Jack Allen Reid, 19, November 18 2006, Delaware Township, Delaware, BAC unknown
14. Victoria Hickman, 19, November 26 2006, York University, BAC 0.33
15. R. Clay Ledford, 22, December 6 2006, Appalachian State University, BAC unknown
16. Zachary Dunleavy, 18, December Limestone College, BAC 0.389
17. Wesley Allen Croley, 20, December 9, 2006,  Alabama Southern Community College, BAC 0.414

Two adults' deaths were also noted:

1. David Gaiten, 21,March 21, 2006, Hollister California, BAC unknown
2. Rajesh Daj, 26, December 5,  2006, Duke University, BAC unknown

In all cases, my deepest condolences to family and friends.

Underage Alcohol Deaths 2004
Underage Alcohol Deaths 2005
Underage Alcohol Deaths 2006

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing, the heartbeat and the gag reflex that prevents choking. A fatal dose of alcohol will eventually stop these functions. After the victim stops drinking, the heart keeps beating, and the alcohol in the stomach continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate through the system. The victim may experience the following:

• Mental confusion, stupor, coma, unable to rouse the person
• No response to pinching the skin
• Vomiting while sleeping or unresponsive
• Seizures
• Slowed breathing  (fewer than 8 breaths per minute)
• Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)
• Hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color, paleness

Alcohol Poisoning Requires Immediate Medical Attention

Alcohol Poisoning Cannot Be Reversed By:

• Drinking black coffee
• Taking a cold bath or shower
• Walking it off

The victim must have immediate medical attention.
Call 911, stay with the victim to prevent him choking on vomit, and tell emergency personnel how much alcohol the victim drank.

These Children Died of Alcohol Overdose, So Their Parents Started Foundations:

Taylor Webster's memorial foundation.  Taylor died of alcohol  poisoning at age 19-- Now his family and friends are working  to get the message out, telling their stories and providing  information on alcohol poisoning and the signs and symtoms  of alcohol poisoning in hopes that lives will be saved.

Bradley McCue's memorial foundation.  On November 5, 1998  Bradley turned 21. . He celebrated  his birthday in a way that has become increasingly popular, drinking "his  age in shots". That amount of alcohol was lethal and he died  that night of alcohol poisoning.

Samantha Spady's memorial foundation. A 19-year old student at Colorado State University, Spady died of alcohol poisoning on September 5, 2004, "an unintentional tragedy."  The Spadys say the SAM [Student Alcohol Management] Spady Foundation will develop peer-to-peer counseling and other services meant to reduce the risk of alcohol abuse.

Gordie Bailey's memorial foundation Mission: to provide today’s youth with the skills to navigate the dangers of alcohol, and through education and promotion of self worth prevent alcohol poisoning, binge drinking and hazing. 

Kimberly Ostien's memorial foundation: "With binge drinking on the rise, we feel it necessary to get the message out on the danger of alcohol, especially excessive alcohol consumed in a short period of time.  Students are educated on drugs and alcohol but they will continue to experiment no matter what.  We want to educate on what to do when a friend falls down or passes out from drinking.  Often we want to put that person to bed to sleep it off and that is when the trouble can begin."  The card lists the information, above.

Comments

[deany]

I wanted to know how many deaths were from alcohol poisoning each year in Washington State. I have found instances, partical information etc, but no concrete facts on how many deaths per year directly related to alcohol poisoning. I am an investigatior (criminal defense) but am also very invested in the matter and problems surrounding young people today concerning the challanges they deal with daily not the least being choices over chemicals (alcohol is one of the deadliest, don't kid yourself). We need to be better informed and stop trying to communicate with our kids and give facts and consequences.

[D. Conroy]

What about our young kids in the Military. If you add them, the ones we know about to this list... We need to know these numbers. Maybe if we stop hiding the facts we will be able to save lives!

[Kim lowe]

My children lost their father at age 36 to alcohol poisoning and heat.

[Kre'Azmine Johnson]

RIP to all the peps i know what some of you are going thru
my friend just died from alcohol addiction by hanging out with the wrong group of people but what is unfair they are still living and she is not shes lieing in the grave right now
i get so mad because they just watched her die she didnt have to be there

they ran into a tree going around this curve going fast and the impact killed her right then and there
RIP michelle youll always be remembered
yo bestfriend / Sister I love u