Police say alcohol a factor in Northwestern death

After a months-long investigation, police say they believe alcohol played a role in the death of a Northwestern University student whose body was found in a harbor near the school’s suburban Chicago campus.

Evanston police say tests showed 18-year-old Harsha Maddula’s blood-alcohol content was one and a half times the legal limit. They determined his death was accidental.

The engineering student from New Hyde Park, N.Y., was last seen on Sept. 22 leaving a party where authorities say he was observed drinking alcohol.

His body was recovered five days later in Wilmette Harbor.

Police believe he might have lost his balance on a pier and fallen into the water.

University Vice President for student affairs Patricia Telles-Irvin expressed her condolences Tuesday and reminded students of the college’s substance abuse programs.