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Team coverageA funeral for a Utah State University student who died of apparent alcohol poisoning was held today at Salt Lake City's Cathedral of the Madeleine.
Last night, family and friends of 18-year-old Michael Starks gathered at a vigil to honor him.
His sister, Megan Starks, said, "Eulogies are expressions of honor and praise to those who have died. Our eulogies to Michael are going to be longer than the world has ever known."
She added, "Michael loved life and life's experiences, and he loved you, and he was not shy about talking about it."
Starks died Friday morning with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.35; that's more than four times the legal limit to drive an automobile.
Authorities say they are investigating the death as a case of hazing. Logan Police Chief Russ Roper says police will try to develop probable cause to file criminal charges.
Starks was pronounced dead at Logan Regional Hospital Friday morning after friends tried reviving him when he was found unresponsive at the Sigma Nu fraternity home. Police have interviewed nearly a dozen people, including someone who acknowledged providing Starks with alcohol.
Police reports say Starks fell asleep at the fraternity home and was later found not breathing.
E-mail: corton@ksl.com
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