Adam Baxter, 19, Alcohol Poisoning

Adam Baxter was with some friends November 23, 2007, and alcohol was consumed.  He was unable to be revived.

ORONO/PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER) -- A promising soccer athlete from the University of Maine has died from what police say appears to be alcohol poisoning. This is the second time in just one week that alcohol appears to have claimed the life of an underage drinker in Maine.

19-year-old Adam Baxter was a rookie star on the UMAINE Men's Soccer Team. He died Saturday from what police say appears to have been too much drinking.

"Alcohol was consumed and that subsequently Adam ends up in distress and unable to breathe and efforts by the folks in the home and by Medcu were unsuccessful to revive him," said Deputy Chief Bill Ridge of Portland Police.

Police say Baxter, who was from Skegness, England, was staying with friends over the Thanksgiving holiday. They were drinking Friday night at a home on Forest Avenue in Portland.

Baxter's teammates and friends at UMaine tell us he was an outgoing and caring person. They are shocked that this happened.

"His team of course is brutalized by this, kids who lived in the residence halls, students who went to class with him, everyone's upset, they're in shock," said Robert Dana, the UMAINE Vice President of Student Affairs.

University officials say it's that much more tragic that alcohol was likely involved in the death and say if anything it may serve as a wake-up call to students.

"Anytime something bad happens with young people and alcohol, people usually sit up and take notice. If that were the case here we would certainly hope people would benefit from the loss of this youngster to make changes in their own lives," said Dana.

Police say one of the people with Baxter Friday night was over twenty-one and likely purchased the alcohol.

"There are laws in this state that regulate the providing of alcohol to minors. There are laws in this state that regulate the providing a place for minors to consume alcohol. Those are the types of issues that the DA's office will have to look at," said Ridge.

"Everyone copes and moves forward, sees the future; yet we have to take a moment here to grieve. This is the loss of a bright shining light," said Dana.

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

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.   The mission of the Gordie Foundation is 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.

Comments

[David]

He was my little brother in Costa Rica, is unveliebeble i m so sad... he was livin in my house 1 year ago... yes exactly one year, he expend his last christmas and new years night here, with my family... is so painfull. i have not words to describe this... all my love to the family. thanks for share him with us and be strong GOD BLESS YOU