Northern Star

Drugs, alcohol led to student’s death

By Marianne Renner | July 12, 1988

A combination of drugs and alcohol contributed to the death of an NIU student last April, a jury panel officially announced at an inquest July 6.

Stenio LaPlanche, 20, passed out with a .16 percent alcohol blood level and suffocated on his vomit. Traces of cocaine also were found in his body. However, because tests are still in progress, the DeKalb County Coroner's office does not know what other chemicals could be discovered.

A spokesman for the office said both drugs and alcohol contributed to LaPlanche's vomiting, and because he was unconscious, they also caused respiratory failure.

The coroner's six-member jury panel suggested the police investigate the Eagles Club, 4th and Locust streets, where LaPlanche was drinking the night he died.

LaPlanche was pronounced dead April 23, after his roommates found him unconscious in a car outside of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, 900 Greenbrier Road.

Earlier reports state the students were drinking alcohol at their home before going to the Eagles Club.

LaPlanche's four roommates later visited some friends near the fraternity house, but Stenio remained in the car.

Mike Haines, Health Enhancement Services coordinator, said that though a mixture of cocaine and alcohol can cause death, it is not the result of a chemical reaction.

"Technically, the effects (of combining cocaine and alcohol) are considered antagonistic. They work against each other," he said.

Haines said that because alcohol counteracts the effects of cocaine, an individual might not realize how "high" he is and therefore might continue to increase doses of cocaine.

This could cause an overdose, Haines said.

Daryl Jackson, administrative director at Kishwaukee Community Hospital's Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency Treatment Center, said another danger in cocaine abuse is "cocaine psychosis." This reaction, which can last hours or days, causes the user to become disoriented, paranoid and anxious.

He said cocaine could be lethal because it increases the heart rate, respiratory system and nervous system. Alcohol, on the other hand, causes these systems to collapse.

NIU students contend for 6th ward position

By Sylvia Phillips | July 12, 1988

Four NIU students have applied for the position of DeKalb's 6th ward alderman, said Mayor Greg Sparrow. Interviews for the position are planned for next week, Sparrow said. After discussing the applicants with incumbent 6th Ward Alderman Steven Brody...

CPR class scheduled

July 12, 1988

A one-day training session to teach adult cardiopulminary resuscitation and how to treat choking victims is scheduled for July 20 at the Student Recreation Center. Registration is at the rec center during regular business hours, or by mail until July...

Financial aid process OK’d

By Kristin Rachie | July 12, 1988

Congress recently passed a new procedure called the Congressional Methodology which changes the process by which all student financial aid offices assess student earnings. Jerry Augsburger, director of student financial aid, said all students applying...

Robbery suspect sought in delivery truck hold-up

July 12, 1988

A Domino's Pizza delivery man was held at gunpoint and robbed Monday after delivering pizza at 807 Ridge Rd. Witnesses described the suspect as a heavily-built black man, about 5 feet tall, and between 17 and 19 years old. Police said the suspect approached...

Crop-duster crash spills chemicals near airport

By Marianne Renner | July 12, 1988

A crop-duster filled with pesticide and water went off the DeKalb-Taylor Municipal Airport runway Monday, causing the pesticide to discharge, but firefighters said there was no leakage into the water supply. DeKalb Police Chief Joseph Maciejewski said...

Health center: Campus drug abuse down

By Sylvia Phillips | July 6, 1988

Despite national and local concern about increased substance abuse, University Health Services personnel report campus drug use is decreasing. Citing statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Michael Haines, NIU Health Enhancement Services...

IBHE to discuss revenue

July 6, 1988

Salary increases, tuition hikes and higher education revenue dominate the agenda of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, scheduled to meet today at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. Kenneth Beasley, assistant to NIU President John LaTourette,...

Kish hospital cancels contract with NIU

By Marianne Renner | July 6, 1988

NIU student health service fees no longer provide for emergency service at Kishwaukee Community Hospital. Instead, students referred to the hospital will have to rely on either NIU's health insurance policy or parental health insurance coverage. Linda...

Viewers forced to get cable TV

July 6, 1988

So, what's with the TV stations out here in beautiful (HA HA) Dekalb. Great reception. I get channel 39 and some religious station. I can't handle bad old black and white movies and Pat Robertson all in the same night. I want to kick off the shoes, relax...

Fired Workers Go To Court

July 6, 1988

Chicago (AP) - Workers fired because employers consider them too old are going to court in greater numbers to fight for the right to stay on the job, federal officials say. For some, it's a matter of principle. "I could never have lived with myself or...

Alderman consults lawyer about case

July 6, 1988

Claiming his civil rights were violated by the DeKalb City Council, a DeKalb alderman said he took his case to a federal attorney July 1. Seventh Ward Aldrman Mark Powell said he met with Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Syfert. Syefert would not comment...

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