Berkeley, California, November 29, 2025
A 19-year-old UC Berkeley student, George Mauricio Salinas, tragically died following an apparent drowning at a fraternity party. The incident occurred at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house, attended by over 300 people. Despite CPR and medical efforts, Salinas passed away three days later. The fraternity has faced citations for overcrowding and noise violations, and an investigation is ongoing, with counseling services provided to affected students.
Berkeley, California
UC Berkeley Student Dies After Apparent Drowning at Fraternity Party
George Mauricio Salinas, a 19-year-old student from San Diego, died following an apparent drowning incident at an off-campus fraternity party in Berkeley, California. The incident occurred on November 14, 2025, at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house on Prospect Street. Salinas was found unresponsive near the pool during a large gathering attended by over 300 people. Despite efforts to revive him, he was transported to Highland Hospital, where he later died on November 17. The Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau has not yet released an official cause of death, but authorities do not suspect foul play or hazing. The fraternity has been cited for overcrowding and noise violations, and its event permit has been revoked. A case against the fraternity’s safety coordinator has been referred to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Both UC Berkeley and the fraternity have expressed condolences and are cooperating with the investigation. Counseling services have been offered to students affected by the incident.
Incident Details
On the night of November 14, 2025, Berkeley police responded to a 911 call reporting a possible drowning at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house. Upon arrival, officers observed a large party with more than 300 attendees and noted conditions consistent with overcrowding and heavy alcohol consumption. Salinas was found unresponsive near the pool and was administered CPR at the scene before being transported to the hospital. Despite medical efforts, he passed away three days later. The fraternity has been cited for public nuisance, and its event permit has been revoked. A case against the fraternity’s safety coordinator has been referred to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Both UC Berkeley and the fraternity have expressed condolences and are cooperating with the investigation. Counseling services have been offered to students affected by the incident.
Background Context
UC Berkeley, located in Berkeley, California, is a public research university known for its diverse student body and active Greek life. Fraternity parties are common social events, but they are subject to university regulations and local laws to ensure safety and compliance. The incident involving Salinas has prompted discussions about safety measures at fraternity events and the responsibilities of both students and organizations in preventing such tragedies. The university and local authorities are reviewing policies and procedures to enhance student safety at social gatherings.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | November 14, 2025 |
| Location | Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house, Berkeley, California |
| Victim | George Mauricio Salinas, 19-year-old UC Berkeley student from San Diego |
| Cause of Death | Apparent drowning; official cause pending |
| Fraternity’s Response | Cited for overcrowding and noise violations; event permit revoked; cooperating with investigation |
| University’s Response | Expressed condolences; offering counseling services; reviewing safety policies |
FAQ
Who was George Mauricio Salinas?
George Mauricio Salinas was a 19-year-old student from San Diego attending the University of California, Berkeley. He died following an apparent drowning incident at an off-campus fraternity party on November 14, 2025.
What happened at the fraternity party?
On November 14, 2025, a large party was held at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house in Berkeley, California. During the event, Salinas was found unresponsive near the pool and was transported to the hospital, where he later died on November 17. The fraternity has been cited for overcrowding and noise violations, and its event permit has been revoked. A case against the fraternity’s safety coordinator has been referred to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Both UC Berkeley and the fraternity have expressed condolences and are cooperating with the investigation. Counseling services have been offered to students affected by the incident.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau has not yet released an official cause of death for George Mauricio Salinas. Authorities do not suspect foul play or hazing. The fraternity has been cited for overcrowding and noise violations, and its event permit has been revoked. A case against the fraternity’s safety coordinator has been referred to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Both UC Berkeley and the fraternity have expressed condolences and are cooperating with the investigation. Counseling services have been offered to students affected by the incident.
What is UC Berkeley doing in response to the incident?
UC Berkeley has expressed condolences for the loss of George Mauricio Salinas and is cooperating with the investigation into the incident. The university has offered counseling services to students affected by the tragedy and is reviewing policies and procedures to enhance student safety at social gatherings, including fraternity events.
What actions have been taken against the fraternity involved?
The Alpha Delta Phi fraternity has been cited for overcrowding and noise violations. Its event permit has been revoked, and a case against the fraternity’s safety coordinator has been referred to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Both UC Berkeley and the fraternity have expressed condolences and are cooperating with the investigation. Counseling services have been offered to students affected by the incident.
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