Penn State student Salvador Peter Serrano's death has been ruled an accident, Centre County Coroner Scott Sayers said during a press conference Friday.

However, some charges still may be filed in connection with the incident.

Serrano died on Oct. 26 after being restrained by bouncers from a local bar following an alleged fight that occurred between the bouncers, Serrano and three of his friends.

Sayers said Serrano suffered from respiratory complications as he was being restrained. Serrano aspirated, vomited and then choked to death on his own vomit.

He added that even though the actions of the bouncers did contribute to Serrano's death, Sayers ruled the incident an accident because they did not intend to harm him.

"When he was being restrained by the bouncers, he wasn't being purposely harmed," Sayers said. "But the pressure being put on his body did cause him to vomit, so it can be ruled that the person who was on him caused it."

A blood alcohol content was taken, but the results would not be released, Sayers said.

However, he added that Serrano had consumed alcohol and would have been considered legally intoxicated.

"Even with the amount of alcohol consumed, it is safe to assume that he would have lived if the confrontation had not occurred," Sayers said.

The information from the autopsy and toxicology report has been turned over to Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar.

Even though a death may be ruled accidental, Gricar said he might still proceed with a homicide investigation. Gricar said that even though the coroner's report carries great weight, it is not binding when it comes to making a decision.

"It is important to note that we all have different jobs when it comes to an investigation," he said. "My job is to determine whether or not a death resulted due to criminal homicide."

Gricar added he would take all available information into account before making a final decision.

"This is going to be my top priority," he said. "I plan to study all the reports from the coroner and look into all the interviews dealing with the case, along with several face-to-face conferences with the toxicologist who performed many of the tests on Serrano. I will then compare them with the Pennsylvania law in order to make a decision."

Gricar said it will be about two weeks before he can make a public statement. He will also reserve comment until he speaks with Serrano's family.

Gricar was unable to comment on whether any of the bouncers involved had their blood alcohol contents tested.

Friends or members of Serrano's family could not be reached yesterday for comment about the coroner's decision.