A University student from Singapore was found dead in his apartment near his campus in California on Sunday night, US time.
Mr Thu Yain Kyaw, 22, who was described as an "outstanding" student at University of Southern California (USC), is believed to have died from "acute alcohol toxicity", according to a news website run by USC students, citing preliminary coroner's findings.
The Los Angeles Police Department do not suspect foul play and are still investigating the cause of death, CBS News reported.
Mr Kyaw was an undergraduate at USC's Marshall School of Business.
Dean of the business school James G. Ellis called him "an outstanding Marshall student who made a positive impact among his friends, fellow students and faculty".
According to his Facebook page, Mr Kyaw was a former student of St Andrew's Junior College and Ang Mo Kio Secondary School. He had served as a Third Sergeant in the Singapore Armed Forces before going to university.
Singaporean students at USC who have described Mr Kyaw as "well-liked" said they are still in a state of shock over his death.
Mr Christopher Ng, 22, who took a class in literature with him last year, said: "He always made time for his friends and he had a great balance between his studies and extra-curricular activities."
As to the circumstances surrounding his death, Mr Andrew Seah, 21, said Mr Kyaw was a "level-headed" person who "erred on the cautious side when he drank or partied".
Mr Kyaw has an older brother, Mr Arkar Kyaw, who is also a USC undergraduate. The brothers were known to enjoy surfing together.
Mr Ng said the older Mr Kyaw, who also grew up in Singapore, is coping well. Mr Kyaw posted on his Facebook page that his younger brother "has gone on to a better place now and is resting in peace smiling, because all of you have made his life up to this point worth living! Thank you so much for that".
A memorial service for the younger Mr Kyaw has been organised for next Monday evening, US time. At press time, 273 people had indicated online that they would be attending.
joseow@sph.com.sg
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