LOGAN, Utah (ABC 4 News) – Another Utah State University student may have died from alcohol poisoning.
Logan police are waiting for results of toxicology tests to determine if alcohol caused the death of 29-year old Nicholas Mason.
“There was alcohol that had been consumed at the home,” said Captain Jeff Curtiss of the Logan police department. “We don't know how much at this point in time.”
Police responded to a 911-call early Friday morning. Police said Mason died after being transported to the hospital.
If the results indicate alcohol was a factor Mason would become the second USU student to die from alcohol poisoning.
Last year, Michael Starks died after a hazing initiation involving a sorority and fraternity at USU.
Ironically, Grant Barney was sentenced in Logan today for his involvement. He was sentenced to 8-days in the county jail and ordered to do 100-hours of community service.
But it was during Barney's sentencing that Thomas Willmore revealed this latest death.
Georgie Starks who is Michael's older brother was in the courtroom when he learned of this latest death.
“The judge (Thomas Willmore) was appalled over what happened,” said Starks. “I was actually shocked and saddened by that.”
At Mason's town home in North Logan a man who claimed to be his roommate offered little details about what happened.
“Nick would do anything for anyone,” said the roommate who didn't want his name used. “He was always smiling.”
The roommate said Mason was a Marine and had served two tours of duty in Iraq.
“He just finished his second semester at USU,” said the roommate. “He wanted to be a history professor.”
Police said three others were with Mason at the home that night.
“They had been drinking on and off,” said Captain Curtiss. “One of them tried to perform CPR before calling 911.”
Meanwhile, Georgie Starks said the death means that Utah State and students didn't learn anything from his brother's death.
“My heart goes out to that family because I know exactly what they're going through,” said Starks. “I think it sends a message loud and clear, not only to the community but to USU that something is going on and needs to be changed at that campus.
Police said Mason was from Mesa, Arizona.
