Police: No evidence of hazing in UNC student's death
Police said Tuesday that there is no evidence to suggest that fraternity hazing led to the weekend death of a UNC-Chapel Hill student.
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David Palmer Shannon, 18, of Charlotte, was found dead in the area of Brewer Lane in Carrboro on Saturday.
Investigators said that it appears Shannon was climbing on machinery at the nearby Ready Mixed Concrete Plant and fell onto a concrete surface. They initially estimated that he had fallen 17 feet, but they changed that estimate Tuesday to 40 feet.
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.
Police also said they looked at the possibility of hazing being involved because Shannon was pledging the Chi Phi fraternity at UNC-Chapel Hill, but they said that was never a primary focus of the investigation.
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.
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