A California college student died from apparent alcohol poisoning after attending a party at a fraternity that was not officially recognized by his school, police said.

Anthony Joseph Blas, 18, had just started his first semester at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), located just east of Los Angeles, before going to the party earlier this month.

At 12.07am on September 13, he was dropped off at a local emergency room while unresponsive, according to the Fullerton Police Department. Hospital staff attempted life-saving measures but were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead.

Detectives began investigating and soon determined that Blas had gone to ‘a function at an unaffiliated fraternity’ that night, police said.

‘Alcohol consumption appears to have been a contributing factor’ in Blas’s death, though his official cause and manner of death will be determined by the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office, according to the Fullerton Police Department.

Authorities did not specifically name the ‘unaffiliated fraternity’ Blas went to, but the intersection police said they responded to is where the Delta Chi frat house is located, the Orange County Register reported.

The fraternity’s national office told the outlet that it does not officially recognize the Delta Chi chapter at CSUF, and the university’s website states that it stopped recognizing the chapter in 2021 due to nine violations.

Those violations included hazing or conspiracy to haze, and use, possession, manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol.

The fraternity’s national office told the Orange County Register: ‘Delta Chi has proactively worked with university officials to make students aware that no active Delta Chi chapter exists at California State University, Fullerton.

‘We fully support a thorough and transparent review of the facts by the appropriate authorities. Anthony’s family deserves answers, and all those affected deserve a complete understanding of the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.’

The Daily Mail has reached out to Delta Chi’s national office for further comment.

Although the fraternity’s chapter stopped being recognized by the university due to hazing allegations five years ago, the Fullerton Police Department said: ‘At this time, hazing is not considered to be a factor, and there is no evidence to suggest foul play.’

But Fullerton Police Sergeant Ryan O’Neil told the Orange County Register: ‘Obviously… things could change’ over the course of the investigation.

In a statement to CBS News, Blas’s family said: ‘We are asking for a complete and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Anthony’s death.’

The family also said that despite what police have reported, they ‘are deeply concerned that hazing may have played a role’ in Blas’s death.

‘One of the most troubling questions for our family is why 911 was not called when Anthony was found unresponsive,’ the statement went on.

‘We want to know what happened in the hours leading up to his death, who was present, when those present realized he was in distress, and why 911 was never contacted.’

‘At this time, we are not making conclusions about the responsibility of any individual. We are asking for facts, accountability, and answers,’ the statement added.

CSUF also shared a statement with the outlet that said: ‘Cal State Fullerton is aware of the death of a student that occurred over the weekend at an off-campus residence.

‘Our hearts are with the student’s family and the campus community during this incredibly difficult time.’

Blas’s family has organized an online fundraiser to help cover ‘any costs that have come with this sudden tragedy’ and use surplus funds to help raise awareness about ‘unrecognized fraternities and organizations.’

‘Our hope is to work with lawmakers, educators, and communities to push for stronger awareness and education for incoming college students, especially freshmen, about fake, underground, and unrecognized fraternities and organizations,’ the fundraiser states.

On the fundraising page, Blas’s family described him as ‘a fun, loving, and unforgettable person,’ who ‘had so much life ahead of him.’

‘He loved playing football along with his twin brother. He was excited about his future and the dreams he was just beginning to build for himself,’ the family added.