Fraternity Hazing Deaths

Greek life, comprising fraternities and sororities, isn't just a college extracurricular — it's a cultural phenomenon. Around 750,000 undergraduates dive headfirst into this world of brotherhood, sisterhood, and intense camaraderie. These Greek organizations promise leadership skills, lifelong bonds, and a sense of belonging. But beneath the veneer of social events and philanthropy lies a darker side marked by hazing rituals that have led to devastating tragedies. Despite ongoing efforts to eliminate these dangerous practices, the allure of Greek life remains tainted by stories of alcohol poisoning, physical abuse, and, tragically, loss of life. The debate rages on: Can the benefits of Greek life ever outweigh the inherent risks?

Here are six recent cases in which Greek life induction hazing went wrong and ended in tragedy:

1. Won Jang — Dartmouth College (2024)

Won Jang, a 20-year-old biomedical engineering major, was reported missing after an informal social gathering hosted by the Beta Alpha Omega fraternity and Alpha Phi sorority. His body was later found in the Connecticut River. An anonymous tip suggested that hazing, along with alcohol consumption, contributed to his death. Dartmouth College has suspended both Greek organizations as the investigation continues.

2. Adam Oakes — Virginia Commonwealth University (2021)

Scott House, Virginia Commonwealth University. Image by Fopseh under CC BY-SA 3.0

Adam Oakes, a freshman, died from alcohol poisoning during a Delta Chi fraternity event. Oakes was made to drink a large quantity of bourbon as part of a hazing ritual. He was later found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene. His family has filed a $28 million lawsuit against the fraternity, highlighting the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption in hazing practices.

3. Collin Wiant — Ohio University (2018)

Collin Wiant, a freshman pledge of the Sigma Pi fraternity, died from asphyxiation due to nitrous oxide ingestion. During a hazing event, Wiant was forced to inhale nitrous oxide, which led to his death. Several fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the university implemented stricter hazing policies following the incident.

4. Timothy Piazza — Penn State University (2017)

Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old sophomore, participated in a Beta Theta Pi fraternity initiation event known as "The Gauntlet," where pledges consumed excessive amounts of alcohol. Piazza fell down a flight of stairs and sustained severe head injuries. Despite his obvious distress, fraternity members did not seek medical help for nearly 12 hours. Piazza later died from his injuries. This tragedy led to significant legal consequences for the fraternity members involved and prompted Penn State to overhaul its Greek life regulations.

5. Maxwell Gruver — Louisiana State University (2017)

Memorial Tower, Louisiana State University. Photo by Nowhereman86. Public domain.

Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died of acute alcohol poisoning during a hazing event at the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house. Gruver was forced to drink large amounts of alcohol while being quizzed on fraternity history. If he answered incorrectly, he was made to consume more alcohol. His death brought national attention to the dangers of hazing and resulted in new anti-hazing legislation in Louisiana.

6. Antonio Tsialas — Cornell University (2019)

Antonio Tsialas, a freshman, attended a Phi Kappa Psi fraternity event known as "Christmas in October," where he was encouraged to participate in a series of drinking games. He was found dead in a gorge two days later. Investigations revealed that excessive alcohol consumption and hazing were involved. The fraternity was subsequently suspended, and Cornell University faced increased scrutiny over its handling of Greek life.

If a family member or loved one is considering pledging a fraternity or sorority this fall, it's crucial to ensure their safety by thoroughly researching the organization's history and culture, understanding the school's anti-hazing policies, maintaining open communication, recognizing hazing red flags, empowering them to refuse unsafe activities, and knowing how to report hazing incidents. Frequent check-ins and providing alternative social options can also support them in making a safe and informed decision about joining Greek life.

References: U.S. Hazing Deaths Part Two: 2000-2024 | Dartmouth Suspends Frat, Sorority as Cops Probe Possible Hazing Death | Death of a Pledge | A Drunken Hazing, a Fatal Fall and a Cornell Fraternity's Silence | Fraternity members waited to call 911 as Collin Wiant was dying | How Does Greek Life Affect Mental Health? The Pros and Cons | ‘Death of A Pledge: the Adam Oakes Story’: Adam Oakes’ family sues Delta Chi for $28 million | Former Penn State frat leaders plead guilty in 2017 ‘obstacle course’ hazing death of Timothy Piazza | Maxwell Gruver