The East Lansing Police Department is currently investigating the death of a 25-year-old Ortonville man.
East Lansing police responded to a call on Oct. 3 at approximately 10:30 p.m. of an incapacitated male at an apartment complex in the 400 block of Gunson Street.
When East Lansing police officers and paramedics from the East Lansing Fire Department arrived on the scene minutes after the call was made, William Andrew Briton was found not breathing. Paramedics performed CPR, but could not regain a pulse.
Briton was later transported to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, where he died.
East Lansing police have ruled out foul play in this case, however; witnesses told police that Briton had been drinking alcohol and inhaling nitrous oxide.
Witnesses said Briton fell forward and struck his head while inhaling the nitrous oxide, which prompted the 9-1-1 call. The case will remain open pending results from the medical examiner.
East Lansing Police Capt. Tom Johnstone said it was not certain if inhaling nitrous oxide was associated with Briton’s death, however, the usage is not too common in the college area or among young adults.
‘I’m told you can purchase nitrous oxide over the counter,? said Johnstone. ‘That product is what they would use to dispense whipped cream.?