Attorney Investigates University of Michigan Student's Death for Potential Lawsuit

Lawyer claims underage student was served alcohol at fraternity party before freezing death.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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An attorney representing the family of 19-year-old University of Michigan sophomore Lucas Mattson is investigating his death, claiming the student was served alcohol at a Delta Chi fraternity party before wandering off in freezing temperatures and dying. The lawyer has sent letters to the university and fraternity demanding they preserve all evidence related to the case, which he says could lead to a 95% likely lawsuit against the fraternity.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about underage drinking and potential liability for fraternities and universities when students are harmed after being served alcohol illegally. It also highlights the broader issue of student safety and supervision at college parties.

The details

Attorney Bobby Raitt, representing the Mattson family, claims Mattson was at a Delta Chi fraternity party on January 22 where he was served alcohol despite being underage. Raitt says Mattson left the party around 1 a.m. on January 23 wearing only a t-shirt and jeans in freezing temperatures, and that was the last time he was seen alive. Raitt has sent letters to the University of Michigan and Delta Chi demanding they preserve all evidence, including cellphone, surveillance, and other recordings related to the party. He says this evidence could lead to a 95% likely lawsuit against the fraternity.

  • Mattson was at a Delta Chi fraternity party on January 22.
  • Mattson left the party around 1 a.m. on January 23.
  • Mattson's body was found southeast of central campus following a 20-hour-long search.

The players

Bobby Raitt

An attorney representing the Mattson family and investigating the student's death for a potential lawsuit.

Lucas Mattson

A 19-year-old University of Michigan sophomore whose body was found after he went missing following a fraternity party.

Delta Chi

The fraternity where Mattson was allegedly served alcohol before his death, which has been placed on interim suspension by its national headquarters.

University of Michigan

The university where Mattson was a student and which has been asked by the attorney to preserve evidence related to the case.

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What they’re saying

“We need to show that a minor was served, and we're 100% sure that this fraternity provided this 19-year-old young man with the liquor that was in his system, that caused him to wander off.”

— Bobby Raitt, Attorney (CBS News Detroit)

“I'd say it's about 95% likely, and the extra 5% is if they come to us and they sit down and they're going to be reasonable to avoid a lawsuit, but I just don't see that happening right away.”

— Bobby Raitt, Attorney (CBS News Detroit)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the fraternity to preserve evidence related to the case, which could lead to a lawsuit against the fraternity and/or the university.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing issues of underage drinking and lack of supervision at college parties, as well as the potential legal liability for fraternities and universities when students are harmed. It underscores the need for stronger policies and enforcement to protect student safety.