Fraternity suspended after Univ. of SC student found dead

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A fraternity at the University of South Carolina has been suspended by its national chapter as authorities investigate the death of an 18-year-old member.

Richland County Coroner Gary Watts says the male student was found dead around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in a private home about a mile from the heart of campus.

Watts says there was no indication the student was beaten, stabbed, shot or suffered any other trauma. An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday. Watts didn’t release the student’s name.

A keg and St. Patrick’s Day decorations could be seen Wednesday afternoon on the home’s porch.

The national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity said in a news release the university chapter is suspended and is cooperating with all investigations into the death.

Police haven’t released any details about their investigation.