Death Of BU Freshman Under Investigation
BOSTON (CBS) - A freshman at Boston University died at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center early Saturday morning.
Anthony Barksdale II, 19, was transported from an apartment at 22 Wadsworth St. around 1 a.m. on Saturday, and pronounced dead three hours later at the hospital.
No cause of death has been released, but the case is still under investigation.
University police have said they do not suspect foul play, but friends of Barksdale's say that alcohol was likely involved.
"I do believe it was alcohol related, unfortunately. And it's just so sad, he was a great guy," said Lauren Tzirides, a BU student and friend of Barksdale's. "He was the funniest guy, and he would always give me the biggest bear hugs and hoisted me off the ground."
The school released a statement Saturday afternoon, noting that counseling will be offered at the Towers dormitory, where Barksdale lived.
"Whenever there is a death of one of our own it affects all of us," Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore said through the school's release. "Our entire community is deeply saddened. I hope that students will look out for each other. I hope they will use the resources that are available here, and I hope they reach out to friends, parents, and loved ones."
Friends say that Barksdale was an engineering major and a member of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity.
"I lived on the his floor. He was just a great guy who always made everyone laugh," BU classmate Christian Walls said.
Barksdale attended high school in New Hampshire, where he won numerous awards for athletics and academics.
WBZ-TV'S Paul Burton contributed to this report
