A fraternity chapter at Rutgers University has been permanently shut down after it was confirmed that hazing played a role in an incident that left a 19-year-old student in critical condition.
The student, who has not been identified, was discovered injured and unresponsive at Alpha Sigma Phi’s off-campus housing on College Avenue, the main artery running through the New Brunswick campus, early in the morning of Oct. 15.
Exactly what happened remains unclear, but officials for the fraternity acknowledged that it happened in a basement and water was involved in some manner. The student was hospitalized, and was said to still be recovering Friday. The details of the injuries suffered weren’t clear.
Hours after the student was found, the university issued a cease-and-desist on the Alpha Sigma Phi chapter.
Alpha Sigma Phi’s international president said that any member involved — directly or indirectly — would be permanently expelled from the fraternity. He also said the fraternity has been fully cooperating with Rutgers and the criminal investigation.
News 12 New Jersey reported the fraternity’s house has also been condemned.
Rutgers officials said the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office was leading the investigation.
About the Author
