Two Penn State students from Western Pennsylvania were charged Thursday with misdemeanors in connection with the death of an 18-year-old freshman who fell onto a concrete stairwell after a night of drinking.

Joseph Dado, a graduate of Greater Latrobe High, was found dead Sept. 21 about 75 yards from Phi Gamma Delta. An autopsy revealed Dado's blood alcohol level was 0.169, which is more than twice the legal limit for a 21-year-old to drive.

Facing charges are Jennifer Clifford, 21, of Richland, who authorities said bought vodka for Mr. Dado and Ms. Clifford's underage sister earlier in the weekend; and John Townsend, 21, who authorities said hosted Mr. Dado and his friends in his room at the Phi Gamma Delta house. Mr. Townsend and Mr. Dado were friends from home and had attended the same high school.

The defendants were to be mailed the charges by summons. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Dec. 2.

University and State College police also charged the Alpha Tau Omega and Phi Gamma Delta fraternities each with one count of selling or furnishing alcohol to minors and one count each of unlawful acts relative to alcohol.

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