Warning for parents about parties promoted online

Autopsy reveals teen died from accidental overdose after attending party

HOUSTON – Do you know where your teenager is tonight? Hundreds of people were gathered at a foam party in Alief at the FunPlex. The last time the event planners threw a party at the same location, a 15-year-old girl ended up dead from an accidental overdose.

Chessa Davis, 15, was likely just looking for some fun with friends when she showed up at the Funplex in the 13700 block of Beechnut on July 4, 2012.

The venue was rented by promoter Underworld for a dance party, but Davis died on the way home.

Local 2 obtained a copy of her autopsy report that reveals her cause of death was a drug called 25inbome or "25i" for short.

"It's become a prevalent problem here in the last six months to a year in Houston," said DJ Larry Arnold. "We've had several deaths linked to it."

Arnold is familiar with the rave scene and a competitor with promoter Underworld, but he says that is not why he's protesting the party thrown by Underworld, the first back at the Funplex since Davis' death.

"The first and foremost reason we're here is to support her mother, her family," said Arnold.

In July, friends said Davis never went inside the Funplex because she was underage.

The autopsy says she was "witnessed to drink an unknown clear liquid in a bottle shortly before becoming ill."

No one with Underworld would talk with Local 2 on camera, claiming they were too busy preparing for tonight's event, but on the promoter's Facebook page, more than 1500 people have indicated they're coming to the dance party.

Inside the Funplex, the occupancy permit shows the building can only hold 999.

"If you have a child whose interested in attending, it would behoove you to accompany them," said Arnold. "Buy a ticket. Walk in. Look around. See how it runs."

In an email, an Underworld employee told Local 2 there will be police at the Funplex; and that the group provides "amazing concerts in a safe, well-monitored and professional environment." Their Facebook page indicates you have to be 17 or older to get inside.


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Passionate consumer advocate, mom of 3, addicted to coffee, hairspray and pastries.