Boulder – The brother of Jesse Gomez says he last saw him at a fraternity party early Sunday morning, fueling speculation that alcohol was a factor in the University of Colorado student’s death.
Joey Gomez III, Jesse’s older brother, told 9News that he saw his brother at a fraternity party at 1:30 a.m. Sunday.
“He was fine. He was having a good time, dancing,” Joey Gomez said. “I left 10 minutes later. I told him, ‘I’ll see you tomorrow.’ That was the last thing I ever told him.”
Jesse Gomez, 18, a freshman studying civil engineering and business administration, was found dead in his dorm room Sunday afternoon. Authorities have declined to say how he might have died.
Jennifer Rivera, the mother of Jesse Gomez, said she doesn’t know what happened during her son’s final hours.
“But I can tell you that regardless of the result, I don’t want any of this to define his life,” Rivera said. “He was a brilliant, shining star, a loving son, a great friend and a good brother. That is what should define him.”
An autopsy performed Monday indicated that he did not die from trauma. Results of laboratory tests that may tell the exact cause of his death will take weeks, said Boulder County Coroner Tom Faure.
Since the 2004 drinking death of freshman Lynn “Gordie” Bailey, debate has been ongoing at CU regarding excessive drinking by students and whether enough is being done to prevent it.
CU officials cautioned the public not to draw conclusions about the Gomez case.
“We do not know the cause of death, so we are not going to speculate about the cause until the facts are known,” said CU spokesman Barrie Hartman. “Hopefully we’ll know in two or three weeks.”
Detectives interviewed several students Monday who knew Gomez, a resident of CU’s Willard Hall.
“We’re just trying to piece together what happened,” said CU police Lt. Tim McGraw.
Jesse Gomez received Bear Creek High School’s Scholar Athlete Award in 2005, Rivera said. He was captain of the wrestling and tennis teams and took several Advanced Placement courses.
“He was always just making us so proud,” Rivera said. “He excelled at everything he did.”
Gomez’s postings on “Facebook” – a personal website – indicated his affection for partying. He listed his top interests as “friends, alcohol, sports, painkiller, the Broncos, movies.”
Images also were posted on the site that appear to show Jesse Gomez drinking alcohol.
Word of his death began circulating Monday around Bear Creek High School in Lakewood, where he graduated last spring. He was deeply involved in school activities and was popular among the students, said Bear Creek principal Phyllis Emrich.
“He was an extremely positive young man and was very, very well-liked,” Emrich said, adding that many students are feeling the impact of Gomez’s death.
Six counselors are available to assist Bear Creek students, Emrich said.
“I’m sure the word is getting around,” she said.
Staff writer Monte Whaley can be reached at 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com.
