2008 Woodie Awards
MU mourns loss of 'loving' fraternity brother
Christopher Washington
Issue date: 11/30/07 Section: Front Page
The memory of former junior and Miami University band member Clifton Alexander will carry on for the members of Miami's Sigma Nu chapter as they grapple with the death of their fraternity brother.
"Clif was just a great person, a loving friend and signified exactly what you would want your fraternity brother to be like," said junior Joseph Smeltz, president of Sigma Nu. "You couldn't have asked for a better person to have known than Clif Alexander."
According to the police report, Clif was found dead in his room at the Sigma Nu fraternity house Monday night after his brothers noticed he was not present for the fraternity's elections. Members stated it was unlike Clif to miss the fraternity meeting, specifically because he had intentions of running for chapter president.
"We were concerned where he was and we just began looking into the matter," Smeltz said.
When Oxford police arrived on scene, they found several prescription medications for what members of the fraternity said aided Clif with migraines.
The police report states that Clif was last seen around 2:30 a.m. Monday morning in the fraternity's kitchen, however he had been suffering from flu-like symptoms and as a result returned to his room.
That same morning, Clif's alarm rang to awake him for his 10 a.m. class. However, the police report states the alarm rang for most of the morning.
The cause of death is currently unknown, according to Oxford Police Sgt. Jim Squance. As a result, the investigation has been turned over to the Butler County Coroner's Office.
"The autopsy showed no results of foul play and no signs of trauma," said Andy Willis, investigator for the Butler County Coroner's Office. "Toxicology and microscopics are pending and should be back in a couple weeks."
Although Oxford's investigation has ended, Clif's death renders feelings of sympathy from Squance toward Miami's Sigma Nu chapter.
"This is very traumatic and devastating, especially to the men that live in the house," Squance said. "From what I understand, he was truly loved by the fraternity, was an outstanding young man and I think the men of the fraternity are taking it very hard."
"Clif was just a great person, a loving friend and signified exactly what you would want your fraternity brother to be like," said junior Joseph Smeltz, president of Sigma Nu. "You couldn't have asked for a better person to have known than Clif Alexander."
According to the police report, Clif was found dead in his room at the Sigma Nu fraternity house Monday night after his brothers noticed he was not present for the fraternity's elections. Members stated it was unlike Clif to miss the fraternity meeting, specifically because he had intentions of running for chapter president.
"We were concerned where he was and we just began looking into the matter," Smeltz said.
When Oxford police arrived on scene, they found several prescription medications for what members of the fraternity said aided Clif with migraines.
The police report states that Clif was last seen around 2:30 a.m. Monday morning in the fraternity's kitchen, however he had been suffering from flu-like symptoms and as a result returned to his room.
That same morning, Clif's alarm rang to awake him for his 10 a.m. class. However, the police report states the alarm rang for most of the morning.
The cause of death is currently unknown, according to Oxford Police Sgt. Jim Squance. As a result, the investigation has been turned over to the Butler County Coroner's Office.
"The autopsy showed no results of foul play and no signs of trauma," said Andy Willis, investigator for the Butler County Coroner's Office. "Toxicology and microscopics are pending and should be back in a couple weeks."
Although Oxford's investigation has ended, Clif's death renders feelings of sympathy from Squance toward Miami's Sigma Nu chapter.
"This is very traumatic and devastating, especially to the men that live in the house," Squance said. "From what I understand, he was truly loved by the fraternity, was an outstanding young man and I think the men of the fraternity are taking it very hard."
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Mary Lester
posted 11/30/07 @ 4:14 AM EST
My condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the brothers of Sigma Nu and the Miami community with the news of this tragic loss.
Miami Alum and mother of two current students. (Continued…)
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