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Montclair Teen Dies After Drinking Heavily During Birthday Celebration At Lafayette College

EASTON, Pa. (CBSNewYork) -- The parents of a Montclair teenager are hoping their son's death will lead to more responsible drinking on college campuses.

Everett Glenn died after being found unconscious around 2 p.m. on Saturday in a residence hall at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa.

His mother, Joanne Glenn, said her son had been drinking heavily at a celebration for his 19th birthday before his death.

1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports

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"He did sound like he had been drinking," she said, recalling the last conversation she would ever have with her son. "We told him that we were concerned about that and he said to me, 'Mom, you know I'm responsible."

Joanne Glenn said her son fell asleep on his back, vomited and then aspirated. Doctors told her the popular freshman died of cardiac arrest.

"He was trying to have a good time and it just was a very tragic accident," the student's father, Leonard Glenn, told 1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg.

The Glenns maintain their son was not a binge drinker.

"He was drinking early, he never did that, never ever," Joanne Glenn said. "This was a one-day situation. He was a model citizen."

Glenn's father hopes his son's tragic story is a cautionary tale.

"We hope that his death can be an example for other kids for what not to do," he said. "Hopefully some good will come from this. Maybe a few kids will drink less."

"He wasn't aware of the harmful effect of alcohol," Glenn's parents wrote in a message to the students of Montclair Kimberly Academy. Glenn graduated from the school last year.

"We want you to be careful in this world and follow your instincts enough to know when not to go down the path that Everett went on his birthday. Be more than responsible. Be protective of your bodies and guard yourselves at all times," the message continued.

Glenn, who was nicknamed "Mr. Mayor," was remembered at a prayer service at Lafayette College on Saturday night. Nearly one-third of the school's 2,400 students attended the service.

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