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SUNY Binghamton Suspends Fraternity After Hudson Valley Student's Death

Binghamton University has temporarily suspended Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity as university officials and police continue to investigate the death of Pearl River student Conor Donnelly on Saturday, according to University spokesman Ryan Yarosh

Conor Donnelly, a Binghamton University freshman from Pearl River.

Conor Donnelly, a Binghamton University freshman from Pearl River.

Photo Credit: Facebook

Donnelly, 18, was attending a house party in celebration of Binghamton's "New Parade Day," hosted by the fraternity when he fell around 2 p.m. while attempting to climb to a third-floor balcony from a fourth-floor balcony, said Binghamton Police Capt. J. D. Collins.

The freshman, who was in the process of pledging to the fraternity, was transported to Wilson Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Although his death has been ruled accidental, autopsy findings support that Donnelly had been drinking and it is believed the amount of alcohol he had consumed was a contributing factor, Collins said.

Yarosh said the university was working with the Binghamton Police Department to investigate events surrounding Donnelly's death.

Officials with the Dean of Students Office and Case Management Services met with Donnelly's parents when they arrived and have been providing them support, Yarosh said. 

In the meantime, staff from the University Counseling Center continue to provide support and counseling services for students who are affected by this death, he added.

Alpha Sigma Phi Headquarters released a statement following Donnelly's death: "Alpha Sigma Phi is very saddened to learn of the passing of Conor Donnelly, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. While police have determined his death to be an accident, we will continue to provide our full cooperation during the ongoing investigation. Additionally, a senior Alpha Sigma Phi staff member is now in Binghamton to provide support to members after the loss of their friend."

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