A University of Colorado Boulder student died Friday evening of undetermined causes.
The man’s body was identified as that of Eric Chase Bolling. The Daily Camera reported that his body was found at an apartment off of the 28th Street Frontage Road and Village Drive.
On Monday, the Boulder County Coroner’s Office announced their investigation of Bolling’s death, saying that the autopsy was complete but “the cause and manner of death are pending further investigation.” Various news outlets have speculated about the cause of death. TMZ implied in its story Saturday that Chase Bolling died of an intentional drug overdose, as did Westword. The Washington Post reported that the death was “in what police called ‘unintended’ manner.” The Daily Camera reported that it could take up to four weeks for the toxicology test to be complete.
As of this publication, the CU Boulder administration has not released anything to the student population regarding Bolling’s death, but Deputy Spokesperson Deborah Mendez-Wilson responded to the CU Independent’s requests with a prepared statement.
“The CU Boulder community extends its deepest sympathy to Eric’s family and friends for their loss,” the statement said.
Yashar Ali, a freelance journalist covering the ousting of Bolling’s father, Eric Bolling, from his Fox News Channel show, first broke the news Saturday morning via Twitter.
Very sad news, Eric Bolling’s son, who was only 19, died last night. By all accounts, Eric was incredibly devoted to his son. Heartbreaking.
— Yashar Ali (@yashar) September 9, 2017
A few hours after that, Eric Chase Bolling’s father tweeted, “Adrienne and I are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Eric Chase last night. Details still unclear. Thoughts and prayers appreciated.”
Eric Chase Bolling was a sophomore studying economics. He was also a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity, which is not currently a member of the Interfraternity Council. Neither the council nor Sigma Pi is endorsed by the university. The CU Independent was unable to contact Sigma Pi for comment.
Students who are struggling with processing Eric Chase Bolling’s death can contact resources on campus for help. A few are listed below; more can be found here.
Office of Victim Assistance: located on the fourth floor of the Center for Community. 303-492-8855
Counseling and Psychiatric Services: located on the fourth floor of the Center for Community. 303-492-2277
Contact Breaking News Editor Lucy Haggard at lucy.haggard@colorado.edu.