The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has entered the investigation into the death of Matthew Ellis, the 20 year old fraternity pledge who died during an initiation ritual at Texas State Univesity in San Marcos, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
"We'll go to liquor stores, we'll go to other alcohol retailers, and we will determine if any of these stores sold alcohol impropery," TABC spokesman Chris Porter told News Radio 1200 WOAI.
Ellis was a pledge with the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He was found dead in an off campus apartment in San Marcos on Monday. A coroner said the death was probably 'alcohol related.
"I want the Texas State community to know that TABC is working to determine what role, if any, alcohol may have played in Matthew's death, and that we will vigorously pursue any violations that may have contributed to cutting this young man's life short," TABC Chairman Kevin Lilly said.
The TABC says it is not investigating the university, but will try to determine how a 20 year old, who is obviously under the legal drinking age, obtained alcohol.
"Generally cases such as this call for at least a temporary suspension of alcoholic beverage license, meaning they can't see alcohol for that period of time," Porter said.
Selling alcohol to a minor or intoxicated person can result in penalties up to and including cancellation of a business's liquor license as well as jail time for the employee who made the sale.
TSU President Denise Trauth has already suspended fraternity and sorority activities until a complete review of the Greek organizations on campus is completed.