Spring Break
SAE died from lethal drug cocktail
Synthetic opiate, cocaine and alcohol caused death says medical examiner
Mark Norris, Editor in Chief, mnorris@smu.edu
Issue date: 12/22/06 Section: News
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Stiles was found dead in his room inside the Sigma Alpha Epsilon house on Dec. 2.
The pain killer, fentanyl, is a synthetic opiate used by cancer patients to relieve pain, specifically when they have problems swallowing. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, fentanyl is nearly 80 times more potent than morphine and can be more than 100 times more potent than heroin.
The drug was little known until this summer, when a spat of fentanyl related deaths in Chicago, Detroit and elsewhere in the Midwest created publicity about the lethality of the drug.
SMU officials have not said if or when a University investigation into the death will occur, but did release a statement to the media. Vice President for Student Affairs Jim Caswell said, "We are deeply saddened by this news. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Stiles family and Jake's friends. SMU considers the well being of its students in everything we do, and certainly our drug and alcohol prevention programs are geared toward keeping our students well informed. Drug and alcohol problems among young people are an issue nationwide. SMU will continue to be vigilant in our education and prevention programs."
Fentanyl comes in the form of a patch, lollipop or powder and can be smoked, snorted or used intravenously. Overdoses can result in sudden death through respiratory arrest, heart attack or cardiovascular collapse.
According to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy there have been 653 fentanyl-related deaths confirmed throughout the United States since 2005.
This story was posted December 20, 2006.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 26
Anonymous Coward
posted 12/21/06 @ 9:59 AM CST
"Continue to be vigilant?" Because that's working so well now. How about, for starters, prying open the Greek system and implementing punishment for drug and underage alcohol possession that might actually deter their use - ie, suspension and criminal prosecution. (Continued…)
Behemoth101
posted 12/21/06 @ 2:32 PM CST
When a KNOWN drug-addict dies *surprisingly* in his fraternity house, and then SAE NATIONAL AND SMU PUBLIC RELATIONS gets involved BEFORE THE NEWS BREAKS, then you really have to start wondering who is running whom. (Continued…)
Dave
posted 12/21/06 @ 4:03 PM CST
I find disturbing the timing of this announcement relative to the announcement of the status of the SMU bid for the Bush library. It seems likely that the news of the circumstances surrounding Jake Stiles' death was delayed to avoid causing any potential upsets with the Bush library committe before their announcement today. (Continued…)
kim
posted 12/21/06 @ 11:09 PM CST
Excuse me but judging by some of these comments it looks like you all have forgotten that Jake was a human being who has family and friends who care deeply about him and love him. (Continued…)
Ron
posted 12/22/06 @ 4:11 AM CST
It is unfortunate that Jake Stiles died. I wouldn't say, however, that his death is indicative of the greek system nor the rest of the school. Rather, it is indicative of a small group of people at the school both greek and non greek who live with total disregard to their health. (Continued…)
S
posted 12/22/06 @ 9:06 AM CST
[QUOTE]Although I agree that the death of a student is terrible, he made the choice to put all of these substances into his body. You can't act like he didn't understand the consequences of his actions. (Continued…)
md
posted 12/22/06 @ 4:33 PM CST
It is not the university's responsibility to educate students about the dangers of drugs. No one admitted to SMU could be that ill-informed. Stiles knew the dangers and opted to take the risk. (Continued…)
annonymous
posted 12/22/06 @ 5:51 PM CST
Some of the above statements are ridiculous. First and foremost I think it should be noted that this could have easily happened in a dorm, greek life at SMU should not be the scapegoat for this incident. (Continued…)
Spider Man
posted 12/23/06 @ 3:20 AM CST
I do feel very sorry for Jake's family and I wouldn't wish their suffering upon anyone, but I can't help but think that natural selection got the best of Jake. (Continued…)
Disgusted
posted 12/23/06 @ 4:44 AM CST
Many of these comments make me absolutely sick. They disrespect the entire Greek system at SMU, every member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the Stiles family, and Jake. (Continued…)
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