Update Feb 15 5:20p.m.: Big Rapids Department of Public Safety were called at 7:48a.m. this morning to respond to an individual in a snow bank. The subject was determined to be 18-year-old Ferris freshmen Graphic Design student Nicholas Suttles. The first responders found him to be extremely hypothermic and had an irregular heart beat. It is believed he was there since 3a.m. without a coat on.
Initial treatment took place at Mecosta County Medical Center where Suttles was stabilized. He was then sent via Aero Med to Grand Rapids for further treatment. Suttles remains in critical condition.
Alcohol is considered to be a factor and a residence is under investigation for the gathering. Initial investigation has found Suttles brought alcohol to the party himself and consumed a large quantity. Charges are expected to be filed related to this incidence for the individuals who allowed the under-aged Suttles to consume alcohol under the Nuisance Party Ordinance.
Update Feb 15 3:10p.m.: He is currently listed as in critical condition at a Grand Rapids hospital. More updates will soon follow.
Feb 15 11:11a.m.: On Friday, Feb. 15 at approximately 7:45 a.m., a white 18-year-old male Ferris student was found passed out in a snow bank on Division Street between the West Michigan Credit Union and the Big Rapids Carrier Annex.
Torch Sports Editor and senior biotechnology major, Tyler Shelton, encountered the scene on his way to his 8 a.m. class.
According to Shelton, the victim, clothed in a t-shirt, jeans and shoes, was partially buried in the snow.
“His footsteps in the snow were obviously staggered as though he’d been drunk,” Shelton said.
Three male students, also on their way to class, found the victim first and called the police. EMS was the first to respond followed by Big Rapids’ Department of Public Safety officers.
“The body was motionless,” Shelton said. “He was not breathing and was unresponsive. He was discolored. His body was frozen and that’s why it appeared he was dead. When EMS arrived, they determined that he had no pulse.”
Shelton later spoke with Big Rapids Police Officer Erik Little and was informed that the victim was at Mecosta County Medical Center where he is “barely alive.” Doctors were able to resuscitate the victim, but he has yet to speak. According to 9&10 News, the student is being flown to Grand Rapids.