[Kevin]

OU fraternity death investigated

From staff and wire reports

NORMAN -- Authorities were investigating the death of a 19-year-old freshman student at OU's Sigma Chi fraternity house this morning, Norman police said .

OU President David Boren to close fraternity

Blake Adam Hammontree, who graduated from Medford High School last spring, was found dead about 10:30 a.m., Norman police said. Emergency personnel were called to the house at 1405 Elm Ave.

Blake Hammontree is the son of Grant County Associate District Judge Jack Hammontree, the judge's secretary confirmed today.

Police said the incident is being investigated as a possible homicide.

"The university is thoroughly investigating this matter through the OU police in cooperation with the Norman Police Department," said OU President David Boren. "It is heartbreaking to lose a member of our OU family. Our love and sympathy go out to his family and friends. The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority."

-- Now, what I hear right now is that Boren (the President) has decided that the Sigma Chi house will be gone within two weeks. He is pretty certain at this point that alcohol was involved. I haven't heard much more than the above about the identity of the dead kid, but I'll let y'all know if I hear anything.