The death of an ISU student found dead in his residence hall room has been ruled an accident by medical examiners.

Michael Babicz, senior in business, died of acute drug intoxication, said Capt. Gene Deisinger of ISU Police. He said a large amount of dextromethorphan, a drug commonly found in cough medications, was found in the tissues of Babicz’s body.

“We found evidence at the scene to indicate it was an accidental drug overdose,” Deisinger said.

Lab tests confirmed a bottle of white powder found in Babicz’s room was dextromethorphan. Traces of the drug were also found in a pitcher and drinking glass taken from Babicz’s residence hall room, 5542 Friley Hall.

Dextromethorphan can be used to produce hallucinations and euphoria. The drug also comes with many side effects, Deisinger said including irregular heart beat, confusion, loss of consciousness, brain damage and death.

— Jill Sederstrom