A Penn State student died this weekend at his downtown State College apartment, according to borough police.
At 4:17 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16, State College police and emergency service personnel were called to 330 W. College Ave., the address of The Standard apartment complex, after a 21-year-old Penn State student was found unresponsive by his roommate. Responders attempted life-saving measures, but the student was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said a preliminary investigation indicates that excessive alcohol consumption was a contributing factor and that the manner of death is accidental. A coroner’s report with toxicology analysis is pending.
The student had returned home after attending a party at a private residence on West Beaver Avenue where he reportedly “consumed an excessive amount of alcohol during a drinking game,” according to a news release.
The Centre County Coroner’s Office and State College police are jointly investigating.
In a statement on Tuesday, Penn State confirmed the student’s identity as Ryan O’Malley, a fifth-semester engineering student.
“The death of any student is heartbreaking and our hearts go out to all who knew him,” university spokesperson Lisa Powers said. “Staff within Student Affairs has reached out to his family and friends to offer assistance and support as needed.”
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the State College Police Department by calling (814) 234-7150, sending an email or submitting an anonymous tip.
