The office of the Center County Coroner has ruled the death of Cathedral Prep student John "Jack" Schoenig, 17 accidental.  After toxicology testing, Chief Deputy Judy Pleskonko told Erie News Now that the Erie teen died of chemical asphyxia due to inhaling nitrous oxide.

The deputy coroner confirmed that the gas, sometimes called "laughing gas," was delivered through what is known as a "whippet," a metal canister like the ones used for whipped cream.

Inhaling nitrous oxide for a high, may cause a person using it to pass out from a lack of oxygen, and can be fatal. Deputy Coroner Pleskonko said in this case, the teen was deprived of oxygen, which stopped his heart.

Schoenig and other friends were visiting Penn State University October 19, and staying with friends in a home at 522 West College Avenue, when he became unconscious, and his breathing was shallow.  Companions called 911, but the high school student was in full cardiac arrest when police and rescuers arrived.

According to Deputy Coroner Pleskonko, the autopsy found no alcohol in Schoenig's system.

Penn State suspended the Alpha Delta Chapter of the Chi Phi fraternity, while the death is being investigated.  Students from the fraternity live at the house where the accidental death occurred.