UNC freshman David Shannon climbed machinery at a concrete plant on Guthrie Avenue in Carrboro and fell from a height of 17 feet, suffering injuries that may have been fatal, according to a release from the Carrboro Police Department.

Witnesses told police that Shannon was drinking alcohol on Friday night and into Saturday morning, according to the release. Alcohol may have been a factor in the incident, which occurred at the Ready Mixed Concrete Plant, the release states.

Police believe he was alone at the time he fell.

Lt. Chris Atack, spokesman for the Carrboro Police Department, said Shannon was found about 90 yards from where he fell.

Shannon was found dead by a group of UNC students in Carrboro late Saturday night, though it appears he fell early Saturday morning.

The group was looking for Shannon and called police once they found him.

Atack said investigators are looking into whether Shannon’s death is related to his involvement in fraternity life. Shannon was a pledge in the Chi Phi fraternity.

“It’s one of the angles you have to look into,” he said. “That’s going to be one of the angles we explore.”