University of Michigan Student Died from Extreme Cold and Intoxication

Autopsy reveals alcohol was a contributing factor in the student's death on campus

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:49pm

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A University of Michigan student who was found dead on campus in January died as a result of extreme cold exposure, aggravated by acute alcohol intoxication, according to autopsy results. The 19-year-old sophomore, Lucas Mattson, was reported missing after last being seen in the early morning hours of January 23rd, when temperatures were around 15 degrees Fahrenheit. His body was later discovered, and the medical examiner determined that Mattson's lack of proper winter clothing and high blood alcohol level were the primary causes of his death.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of underage drinking and the risks of exposure to extreme cold weather, especially for intoxicated individuals. It raises questions about campus safety, alcohol policies, and the need for greater education and support around substance abuse issues for college students.

The details

The autopsy report found that Mattson had a blood alcohol level of 0.156% at the time of his death, well above the legal limit for both adult and underage drivers in Michigan. He was found wearing only a short-sleeved shirt, pants, shoes and socks, with no winter coat or outerwear to protect him from the frigid temperatures. Police said there were no signs of trauma, and foul play was not suspected.

  • Mattson was last seen around 1 a.m. on January 23, 2026.
  • His body was found in the 1500 block of Cambridge Road.
  • Temperatures were around 15 degrees Fahrenheit at the time, dropping to below 0 degrees in the following hours.

The players

Lucas Mattson

A 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Michigan who died from exposure to extreme cold while intoxicated.

Delta Chi

The fraternity where Mattson was reportedly at a party on the night of January 22, 2026, where he was allegedly served alcohol as an underage student.

Bobby Raitt

The attorney representing the Mattson family, who claims the underage student was served alcohol at the Delta Chi fraternity, leading to his death.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The Washtenaw County Medical Examiner's Office and local police will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mattson's death, including the role of the Delta Chi fraternity and any potential violations of underage drinking laws.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for colleges and universities to prioritize student safety, strengthen alcohol policies, and provide robust mental health and substance abuse resources to prevent similar incidents in the future. It also highlights the dangers of binge drinking and exposure to extreme weather conditions, especially for young adults.