???Arman Partamian, a 19-year old SUNY Geneseo student, was found dead this past Sunday at 11 a.m. at an off-campus house where a party had been held the previous night.
???Results of an autopsy have not been released, but it is believed that Partamian, a sophomore biology major from Queens, had been consuming alcohol on and off for a twelve hour period, according to John Karasiewicz, an investigator for New York State Police.
???"We don't really have an exact amount on how much it was, but it was over a lengthy period of time," Karasiewicz said.
???Partamian also had Evan's syndrome, a rare blood disease. Police are uncertain if this contributed to his death.
???The party was held at a house belonging to a group not affiliated with the university.
???"It is not an organization recognized by SUNY Geneseo," Karasiewicz said. "I don't believe that it is in the fraternity system."
???Police believe this may be a case of hazing.
???"It's alleged that there was an initiation process taking place, but [there is] nothing concrete to confirm this," Karasiewicz said.??? "There have been a number of people interviewed, but no arrests have been made."
???The group, called PIG, is known on campus for excessive partying and drinking. Some students believe that Partamian may have become unconscious Saturday night, but others at the party failed to seek immediate medical assistance.
???The university discourages students from participating in groups not sanctioned by the university. According to Leonard Sancilio, dean of students at SUNY Geneseo, the school informs students of the difference between recognized and unrecognized organizations at freshmen orientation. Officials from Residence Life and Greek Life continue to educate students about this throughout their time at the university.
???"We will continue to do all that is legally within our power to eliminate the detrimental influence these renegade organizations have on our students and community," said Christopher Dahl, president of SUNY Geneseo, in a statement released by the university.
???It is difficult for universities to pursue legal action against such organizations because of First Amendment constitutional rights to assembly, Sancilio said. ???
"Students have the right to hang out or associate with anyone they want. Unless they're breaking the law, the university can't prevent that," Sancilio said.
???The campus has been devastated by the loss, Sancilio said.
???"We're in mourning right now," he said. "We lost one of our bright spots."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
