Quebec police are investigating whether a drinking contest at a bar led to the death of an 18-year-old man.

Alexandre Vaillancourt was found dead in the stairwell of his apartment on Saturday morning.

A coroner has ruled the man did not choke to death on his own vomit as had been early suspected. Bernard Couillard suspects heavy consumption of alcohol is to blame and has ordered an autopsy.

Friends of Vaillancourt say he participated in a drinking contest in a bar in Limoilou, Que.

Reports say Vaillancourt consumed several shooters of liquor in rapid succession.

The drinks were offered on special at $1 each at the bar where Vaillancourt was drinking.