Police: Alcohol overdose killed student

MOSCOW, Idaho – Moscow police said a University of Idaho senior died of respiratory arrest, apparently due to alcohol poisoning after a night of drinking to celebrate his 21st birthday.

Emergency personnel responded to a report of an unconscious man at Sigma Nu fraternity at 2:42 a.m. Tuesday. They located Benjamin Harris, of Burley, on the third floor and began CPR. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Gritman Medical Center.

Assistant police Chief David Duke said Harris may have had as many as 15 shots in 2  1/2 hours as he celebrated his birthday Monday night.

A preliminary investigation indicated Harris died of respiratory arrest caused by alcohol poisoning. The cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner after review of the toxicology reports.