College students are dying, not by natural causes, random acts of violence, or under-reported epidemics – college students are dying, at growing rates, because of alcohol poisoning.

 Minnesota-born biochemistry major, Jenna Foellmi, had such a high blood-alcohol level that the coroner only reported it as “not compatible with life.” Her blood was so saturated with alcohol that she drowned her ability to sustain life. Her death, in December of 2007, was one of many caused by unrestrained drinking habits.  
 

Binge drinking has become a staple in the college experience. Even the most dedicated students have found themselves in less than favorable conditions after consuming ill-advised amounts of alcohol.

A brief analysis of public records showed that there have been 157 deaths of college students, between 1999 and 2005, caused by the over consumption of alcohol. Though there are no recent records available, researchers believe that the alcohol related deaths will continue to rise.

At Louisiana State University, the campus continues to struggle with what they have dubbed "an alcohol culture." The popular college drinking game, beer pong, has been linked to high drinking levels on the LSU campus.

Even though the number of deaths seems small, it's the sharp increase that has caused alarm. As grief stricken parents search for someone to blame, campus officials scramble to prevent deaths in epic proportions.

The alcohol poisoning deaths aren't the only worry, but deaths involving college students under the influence has also become a highlight in these reports. This report seems more like a warning than a cause for alarm. Increased awareness about unnecessary drinking may aid in healthy decisions at the bar.