DSM Authorities Investigate Alcohol Poisoning as Possible Hazing

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Nov 9, 2009 at 2:14 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 9, 2009 at 2:18 PM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - Authorities in Des Moines say they are looking into the possibility a Drake University student who suffered alcohol poisoning may have been sickened during a hazing.

A spokesman for the Iowa Methodist Medical Center said the student, a member of Phi Delta Theta, was hospitalized Sunday and later released. Des Moines police identified the student as 19-year-old Nathan Cody Erickson.

According police, Erickson was taken to the emergency room, where his alcohol content was found to be nearly .500 when tested by hospital staff.

The mother, Jacqueline Nickerson, said her son sent her text messages indicating he was being forced to drink. Police later would not say who was making him drink.

Drake spokeswoman Lisa Lacher says the national headquarters of Phi Delta Theta has been notified an investigation is under way.

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