Thank you to Duane for update. More info asap as I get verifications. The chapter says this alcohol-related death was not hazing.
Link to background on alcohol death of student at party and arrests.Â
Letter to Pine Log at Stephen F. Austin University from Nik’s grandmother:
Since the passing of my grandson, Nikolas, there have been numerous opinions posted at various sites on the Internet. Most are of a positive and supportive nature, but there are also some that are negative and cruel in attempts to place the blame somewhere. As Nik’s grandmother the negative has both hurt and angered me as in my heart I blame no one for what happened.
Nik was doing what young people all over the country do on a daily basis-partying and having fun with his friends. No one expected a tragedy to come out of it. I am not telling anyone not to go out and have fun-what I do want is Nik’s death to send a message and asking each of you to please be very careful and aware of the danger so that another family does not have to go through what we are. Nik was outgoing, would go out of his way to help anyone and was never judgmental of others. He was a wonderful grandson, and my heart will ache for him for a very, very long time.
The nurses in ICU at Nacogdoches Medical Center, SFA staff, counselors and students were wonderful to out family during our ordeal. Their kindness, caring and outpouring of love to our family will remain with us. To the students and friends of Nik, I ask that you keep him in your memories and make him proud by your accomplishments.
If anyone of you should ever need a shoulder to cry on, someone to vent to or just simply want to talk-our family will always be there for you. May God bless and keep you always.
-Judith Gallegos
