Carrboro, N.C. — A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who was found dead in Carrboro Saturday fell while climbing on machinery hours after he was seen drinking, police said Monday.

The body of David Palmer Shannon, 18, of Charlotte, was discovered in the area of Brewer Lane.

Investigators said that it appears Shannon was climbing on machinery at the Ready Mixed Concrete Plant on Guthrie Lane – around the corner from Brewer Lane – and fell about 17 feet onto a concrete surface. Witnesses also told investigators that Shannon had been drinking Friday night and early Saturday.

Alcohol impairment might have been a factor in Shannon's death, police said, adding that the investigation so far has ruled out foul play.

Shannon's body has been sent to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the severity of the injuries from his fall and whether that caused his death, police said.

Anyone with information about Shannon’s whereabouts or activities since Friday evening is asked to call Carrboro police at 919-918-7417.

Shannon belonged to the Chi Phi fraternity, which held a vigil at UNC's Pit at Monday night. More than 700 people attended, including Stuart Castillo, Shannon's fraternity brother.

"David was a person you could always reach out to and count on to answer the call," Castillo said. "He was the heart and soul of our Chi Phi pledge class and brought out the best in all those around him."

Chancellor Holden Thorp said the university will set up a scholarship fund in Shannon's name.

"We must remember in our grief that, as a community, we have a responsibility to look out for one another and to take care of one another," Thorp said.