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Memorial service honors WVU student Nolan Burch

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Weather problems prompted West Virginia University to cancel plans to send a chartered bus to the funeral of a student in Buffalo, New York.

A lake-effect storm dumped six feet of snow in the Buffalo area. 

WVU had planned to send a bus carrying students from campus to Thursday's funeral for 18-year-old freshman Nolan Burch. He died last Friday.

"WVU rented a bus, but unfortunately, the weather prevented us from making that trip," said Corey Farris, the WVU dean of students.

WVU held a memorial service for Burch Thursday at Trinity Episcopal Church in Morgantown.

"I spoke to Nolan's dad yesterday, and he said he wanted this.  Nolan was very happy here and that was very important to family," said a pastor.

Police have said Burch was found unconscious and not breathing at the Kappa Sigma fraternity house.  Friends told Channel 11 the incident was alcohol-related, but police have not confirmed that.

"We are still waiting for the investigation to be released from Morgantown police.  I know there were lots of people they were talking to," said Farris.

WVU has ordered a halt to all activities at its fraternities and sororities.

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