Death of SBHS graduate shocks South Brunswick

by Sean Ruppert, Staff Writer
   Friends of a South Brunswick teen who lost his life to what police say was likely an alcohol overdose during his first semester at the University of Delaware said the young man was caring, funny and popular among his peers.
   Brett Griffin, 18, was pronounced dead at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del., in the early morning hours of Nov. 8. Mr. Griffin, a 2008 South Brunswick High School graduate, had been attending a fraternity function at the Sigma Alpha Mu house that evening. He was a pledge member of the fraternity, according to a release from the Newark police.
   Mr. Griffin was taken to the hospital by paramedics after a 911 call was placed at 2:52 a.m. reporting an unconscious person at an off campus house. He was found not breathing and in cardiac arrest. An autopsy preformed on Sunday revealed no trauma on the body, with the cause of death pending the toxicology results. Police believe the likely cause of death was an alcohol overdose, according to the release.
   ”He was an amazing person,” Melissa Seldman said. “He cared a lot about everyone, and he made everyone laugh.”
   Ms. Seldman, 18, graduated from SBHS with Mr. Griffin. She said that they dated their senior year of high school, and still spoke regularly in their first semester of college.
   ”We talked every single day, we had plans for the future,” Ms. Seldman said. “Whatever we did, no matter what it was, it was always so much fun. He was very unique and special to everyone.”
   Patrick O’Shea, 18, also graduated with Mr. Griffin.
   ”He was the best friend I had. We met in first grade and since then we were pretty much inseparable,” Mr. O’Shea said. “He was kind. He would do anything for anyone, and if he didn’t like someone he would never let them know it.”
   Mr. O’Shea said that he and Mr. Griffin would go on each other’s family vacations, and that they both learned to play guitar at the same time. Mr. O’Shea said the two of them formed several bands together.
   ”It has been hard to listen to the old recordings we made,” Mr. O’Shea said. “I was waiting for him to come home for Thanksgiving so we could jam. The worst part is knowing that isn’t going to happen.”
   Joseph Dougherty, a computer teacher at Crossroads South Middle School, coached Mr. Griffin on the high school wrestling team. He spoke highly of Mr. Griffin’s character and work ethic.
   ”All the things that we try to press upon the kids, to work hard and be on time, he was the poster child for that,” Mr. Dougherty said. “There was never an issue about whether or not he was coming to practice. He gave you his all and he did it with a smile on his face. He was a fiery competitor, and yet he was the first person to pick someone up off the mat when they were done.”
   Mr. Dougherty said that he and councilors have met with members of the wrestling team to discuss their feelings.
   Ms. Seldman and Mr. O’Shea both said the tragedy has brought many of Mr. Griffin’s friends closer together.
   ”I went to his house and saw all his close friends. We talked about all the amazing times, all the good memories,” she said. “We are all trying to stay strong together.”
   A mass of Christian burial will be held today (Thursday) at St. Cecilia’s Church in Monmouth Junction. Burial will follow in Resurrection Park in Piscataway.
   The family asks that donations to the Gordie Foundation be made at www.gordie.org in lieu of flowers. The foundation works to educate young people of the dangers of hazing and alcohol use.