Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Friday, July 04, 2008

Teen died of alcohol poisoning in Mankato park

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — An autopsy shows that 16-year-old Andrew Anderson died of accidential alcohol poisoning after a night of drinking in a Mankato Park.

A news release from the Mankato police states the medical examiner found Anderson had a blood-alcohol level of 0.38, nearly five times the legal limit to drive.

Investigators have completed the investigation into the death. They said they will not recommend that charges be filed in the case.

Anderson passed out late May 30 while drinking with two of his brothers and two friends, police said.

By the time they realized he was not breathing and called for help, it was too late. Anderson died atop a hill in Mankato's Land of Memories Park.

Investigators have said for weeks that alcohol was a factor in the death, but before Thursday stopped short of saying it was the cause.

All stories copyright 2000 - 2006 La Crosse Tribune and other attributed sources.