MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- A Western New York man has been arrested and charged in the death of a Williamsville teenager at West Virginia University last November.
Court documents say 20-year-old Richard Schwartz, also of Williamsville, was charged with hazing and conspiracy to commit hazing in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Burch.
Police said Burch became highly intoxicated during a fraternity initiation the night of November 12. He was later found unconscious at a frat house in Morgantown.
An investigation found that Burch, a Canisius High School graduate, and other pledges of the Kappa Sigma fraternity were told to drink a bottle of liquor as part of the initiation.
Testing determined Burch's blood alcohol level was .493.
In a statement, university leaders said the event leading to Burch's death was from a Kappa Sigma “big brother” activity, and that chapter was not a recognized organization on campus.
It said it's continuing to work with Greek leaders and student organizations on changes that will contribute to a "safer service and academic-oriented culture."