Police believe a mix of alcohol and drugs may have played a role in the Jan. 14 death of Sixth College junior Daniel Ashkenazy, according to Sixth College Dean of Student Affairs James Stascavage.
“We’re deeply saddened by Daniel’s passing,” Stascavage said. “His death is a profound loss to the UCSD and Sixth College communities.”
Ashkenazy’s housemates discovered his body at approximately 12 p.m., according to Eleanor Roosevelt senior Christopher Oviedo.
Oviedo, who knew the Marin County native through college and served as his “big brother” in the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, spoke at the Jan. 16 memorial service attended in Terra Linda, Calif., by approximately 45 fraternity members.
“He really valued the important things in life; mainly his friends and his family,” Oviedo said. “He was a very unique and charismatic individual, quite the character, as all of his friends knew.”
It is believed that his death was accidental. A final cause of death will be determined only after 90 days, according to the San Diego County medical examiner.
Ashkenazy attended an informal social gathering on the night of Jan. 14, Oviedo said.
Detective Gary Hassen, a spokesman for the San Diego Police Department, was not available to provide more information about the circumstances surrounding the death.
“Daniel’s family has emphasized to me that we be very open about the cause of death so that other students know the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse,” Stascavage said.
Ashkenazy was attending meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous at the time of his death, according to friend and Revelle College junior Sean Breuner.
Known for his athleticism and work ethic, Ashkenazy was a “natural comedian” among his friends, he said.
“It’s a shame how alcohol abuse can ruin someone’s life,” Oviedo said. “How it can mask wonderful qualities that one possesses. It takes one night of alcohol to change your whole life, whether it be jail, death or disease. One night can dictate the rest of your entire life.”
The tragedy provides a chance to discuss the availability of substance abuse programs provided free to students by Psychological and Counseling Services, which is also offering grief counseling for those dealing with the death, according to Director Reina Juarez.
“This is a very important opportunity for all of us to learn about the tragedy that can befall upon us,” she said. “My hope is that [this event] can turn into a growth and a positive experience so we can prevent these tragedies in our community.”
Approximately 28 percent of UCSD students binge drink in a given two-week period, consuming more than five drinks for men or four for women in a short period of time, according to psychologist Jerry Phelps, who works at the university’s counseling program.
“It’s a dangerous problem and it’s here at UCSD,” he said. “Most UCSD students don’t drink harmfully, but there are still lots of students who binge drink.”
In addition to peer feedback and individual appointments, Psychological and Counseling Services runs a weekly drop-in meeting for group therapy, Phelps said.
As a result of the death, Sixth College administrators are considering a forum to discuss the threats of substance abuse and possible campus solutions, according to Sixth College Provost Gabriele Wienhausen.
Ashkenazy’s mother expressed interest in playing a role in coordinating such an event, according to Stascavage.
