Family of Slain Cal State Fullerton Freshman Blames 'Fake' Fraternities, Demands Education Reform

The family of Anthony Joseph Blas, an 18-year-old Cal State Fullerton freshman who died after attending an off-campus fraternity event, is calling for greater awareness and education about unrecognized student organizations. Blas was found unresponsive and transported to St. Jude Medical Center on September 13, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators believe his death was alcohol-related and stemmed from the event at an underground fraternity.

Blas's family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support their efforts. In a statement on the fundraising page, they expressed their hope to collaborate with lawmakers to push for stronger awareness and education for incoming college students about "fake, underground, and unrecognized fraternities and organizations." They aim to inform students on how to identify such groups and understand the potential dangers of involvement with organizations that are not what they claim to be.

"We believe students deserve to have this information before they arrive on campus and before they are approached or recruited," the family wrote. "We want incoming students and their families to know what questions to ask, how to verify whether an organization is legitimately recognized, what warning signs to look for, and where they can turn for help if something doesn’t feel right."

The event Blas attended is believed to have been hosted by Delta Chi, a fraternity that had its university recognition revoked in 2021 due to hazing allegations. According to Cal State Fullerton's Student Organization Conduct Status, the chapter was banned for hazing and "use, possession, manufacture, or distribution" of illegal drugs and alcohol. The national office of Delta Chi stated that following the closure of the chapter, they have worked with university officials to inform students that no active Delta Chi chapter exists at Cal State Fullerton.

While not officially confirmed, the fraternity is located at the intersection where Blas attended the event. The family has also demanded a "complete and transparent investigation" and voiced concerns that hazing may have contributed to Blas's death. They are seeking answers as to why 911 was not called when Anthony was found unresponsive and who was with him in the hours leading up to his death.

Blas, who had recently turned 18, was reportedly excited about his future. The GoFundMe page has raised over $1,800 towards its $10,000 goal.