Alcohol poisoning caused sudden death of student at Dalhousie

HALIFAX – Halifax police say a 19-year-old woman found dead at a Dalhousie University residence last month died of alcohol poisoning.

Officers were called to the residence on Lemarchant Street at 3:20 a.m. on Nov. 13 to help EHS with a medical emergency.

READ MORE: Dalhousie student dies of medical emergency in residence building

The student, who’s name will not be released upon request of the family, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was an international student, but authorities aren’t saying where she was from.

The medical examiner determined she died of alcohol poisoning after consuming a substantial amount of alcohol in a short time.

Investigators also ruled out foul play.

Police would like to remind people that binge drinking is considered having many drinks on one occasion; five or more for a man, four or more for a woman.

They also say people should have a “responsible drinking” plan that they stick to when drinking, including:

• Counting and measuring your drinks to avoid over-consumption.
• Alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated.
• Using the three S’s to avoid excessive drinking – space drinks, sip drinks and socialize.