Fraternity Pledge Nearly Dies From Alcohol Poisoning

On Nov. 7, 2009, a freshman at Drake University drank so much Everclear that his blood-alcohol content registered .5 - six times the .08 legal limit. A fraternity brother who was coming home from work found the pledge passed out on a couch and saved his life by calling for medical help.

The consequences for this near death experience were serious; local authorities arrested and charged two fraternity brothers. The University ruled the event hazing, suspended the chapter for four years and issued suspensions to three fraternity members.
 
Ironically, the 190 proof Everclear was made illegal in Iowa just months ago, but the 151 proof version used in this incident is still easily obtainable. There have been so many close calls due to Everclear use that the state is considering banning it altogether. Lynn Walding, the administrator for Iowa's Alcoholic Beverage Division, states it plainly: "Someone who doesn't have experience with alcohol can quickly find themselves in a dangerous situation. If you drink half a bottle of Everclear, that can be lethal."
 
How often does this have to happen before fraternities who perpetuate binge drinking and colleges who tolerate it get the message?